ANNALS
OP
PORTSMOUTH,
COMPRISING A PERIOD OP
TWO HUNDRED YEARS FROM THE
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN;
WITH
BZOaRAFHZCAL SKETCHES
OF A FEW OF THE
MOST RESPECTABLE INHABITANTS.
BY NATHANIEL ADAMS.
This shall be written for the generation to come psalms.
Tell ye your children of it, and let 30ur children tell their children,
and their children, another generation.. ..joel.
PORTSMOUTH .
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR
1825,
C. Norris, Printer, Exeter.
I^ISTRICT OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, to wit :
District CkrWi Office.
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the twenty-second day of Novemix r, A. D. 1824, and
in the fonyiiimh year (il'lhe Independence of the United Slates of America, Nathaniel Adan\s
of the said District, has deposited in this Office, tlie Title of a Book the right a\ hereof he claims
as Author in the words following, to ivit :
Annals of Portsmouth, comprising a period of two hundred years, from the first settlement
of the Town; with Biographical sketches of a few of the most i-espectable Lihabitants. By
Nathaniel Adams. This shal' be written for the generations to come. Psalms. Tell ye your
children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children, another generation.
Joel.
In Conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the
encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the Au-
thors and Proprietors of such Copies during the Times therein mentioned :" and also to an Act
entitled, " An Act supplemenuirj to an Act, entitkil. An Act for thi- encouragement of Learn-
ing, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of sucli
Copies during ilie times tlierein mentioned ; and extending the Benefits thereof to the Arts of
Designing, Engra\ing, and Etching Historical .and other Prints."
WILLIAM CLAGGETT,
Clerk of the District of New-Hampshire.
A tnie Copy of Ricord,
Attest-WILHAM CLAGGETT, Ckrk.
The preservation of such facts, as will be useful to
the future historian, is of public importance. Those
which depend on memory, or have been long hand-
ed down by tradition, are liable either to be forgot-
ten or misrepresented. They should, therefore, be
carefully collected from time to time and deposited
in such archives, as are prepared for them. Since
the invention of the art of printing, the best mode
of preserving historical facts, is by the press. The
record of them is thereby multiplied, and the knowl-
edge of them extensively communicated.
Every one should be acquainted with the origin
and progress of the society to which he belongs. It
is gratifying to the curiosity to learn the events of
former days, in which our ancestors took an active
part ; to hear of the hardships and perils which they
encountered, and the fortitude with which they en-
dured them ; to see the advances they made in ob-
taining the comforts and conveniences of life, and
the state of independence and ease, in which they
have placed their descendants.
IV PREFACE.
For the benefit of the present generation, as well
as to assist whoever may hereafter undertake to write
a more connected history, I have endeavoured to
collect the most authentic documents relative to my
native town. For this purpose I have carefully ex-
amined all ancient records and papers, within my
control, which had any connexion with the subject.
I have likewise examined all the periodical publica-
tions, that have been printed in this town, which I
could obtain. From these, I have made many selec-
tions and quotations. There was no printing office
established in New-Hampshire, until the year 1756.
For events prior to that period, I have consulted
public records, or availed myself of the labours of
the accurate historian of New-Hampshire, the Rev-
erend Doctor Belknap, who has left no important
event of early date unnoticed. The province was
originally divided into four towns or associations, of
which Portsmouth was the most populous, and took
the lead in public affairs. Here the officers of
government generally resided, and the courts were
usually held. The history of the province will ne-
cessarily embrace that of the town. I have had
frequent recurrence to this liistory, and often quoted
from it. Froiii many aged and intelligent persons I
have obtained much valuable information. Through
the indulgence of Thomas P. Drown, Esquire, th&
present town clerk, I have had access to the records
of the town ; and from them many of the facts relat-
ed in these annals, have been extracted. It is to be
PREFACE. V
regretted, that there are no records of the town
prior to the year 1652. Mr. Aldeu's account of the
religious societies in Portsmouth, has been of essen-
tial service to me. These have been the principal
sources, from which I have obtained the information
contained in the following annals.
I have occasionally introduced biographical notices
of some of the most distinguished characters, which
have in their time, been an ornament or benefit to
the town. It is a tribute due to worth and integri-
ty, to hand down to posterity the names and charac-
ters of persons, who have filled important stations
in life, with honor to themselves and advantage to
the community. It may induce others to follow
their examples, and imitate their virtues. Without
doubt among the early inhabitants of the town were
many eminent and useful men, whose names have
sunk into oblivion, and whose virtues are unrecorded
and unknown ; many, whose names alone have reach-
ed us.
Should this publication be favourably received by
my fellow townsmen ; be the means of communica-
ting to them any useful information, and of introduc-
ing them to the knowledge of some of our respectable
forefathers, the object of the writer will be fully
accomplished.
Portsmouth, 1824.
DJiwiilsy €if P^rit»iijicim!W)*
The discovery of America excited in the minds
of the Europeans an insatiable desire of obtaining
riches. It opened to them new sources of wealth,
and induced many persons to leave their native shore
and cross the wide extended ocean in pursuit of gain.
The mines of South America first attracted their
notice and inspired them with the most sanguine
hopes. These inexhaustible funds were soon mo-
nopolized by the Spaniards and Portuguese ; and
other nations were obliged to turn their attention to
different objects. The fur trade, and the fisheries
afforded the best prospects of success ; for which
purpose establishments were made at Newfoundland,
and this business was carried on by the English to a
considerable extent. Among the adventurers who
engaged in it, was John Smith, a very intelligent man,
and skilful navigator. He left the Downs in the
spring of the year 1614, with two ships, and arrived
at Newfoundland the 30th of April. He there built
several boats which he profitably employed in fish-
8 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ing; wliilst he in a small boat, with eight men, ex-
amined all the coast from Penobscot to Cape Cod,
trading with the natives, as he passed from place to
place. On this route, in the month of May or June,
he discovered the river Piscataqua, which he des-
cribed "as a safe harbour, with a rocky shore."
He sailed for England the 18th of July in one of his
ships, and arrived at London the last of August,
when he published a description of the country, and
a chart of the coast he had examined, which he called
New-England. This is the first account we have of
the river Piscataqua ; nor does it appear that any
other European visited it, for several years after-
wards, either for the purpose of trading or making
a settlement.
1621.
Captain John Mason was among the first who en-
tered zealously into the scheme of making a fortune
by trading to New-England and forming a perma-
nent settlement there. He was a merchant of Lon-
don, and afterwards engaged in a maritime life, and
was concerned in the fisheries at Newfoundland, of
which place he was governor. In consequence of his
residence there he obtained some knowledge of the
country. On his return to England he was appoint-
ed governor of Portsmouth in Hampshire. He was
also elected a member of the council established at
Plymouth in the county of Devon, by a royal charter
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 9
'^ for the planting, ruling, ordering, and governing
of New-England, in America ;'' and not long after
was chosen their secretary. He was active in pros-
ecuting the designs of the council ; and on the 9th
of March obtained a grant from them ^^ of all the
land from the river Naumkeag (Salem) round Cape
Ann, to the river Merrimack, and up each of those
rivers to the farthest head thereof; then to cross
over from the head of the one to the head of the
other ; with all the islands lying within three miles
1622.
On the tenth day of August the Council granted
to Mason and Sir Ferdinando Gorges jointly, "all
the lands situated between the rivers Merrimack
and Sagadehock, extending back to the great lakes,
and the river of Canada," by the name of Laconia.
Gorges and Mason admitted as associates with them,
several merchants of London, Bristol, Exeter, Ply-
mouth, Shrewsbury, and Dorchester. They styled
themselves the company of Laconia.
1623.
This company resolved to establish a plantation at
the river Piscataqua and carry on the fishery there.
Accordingly in the spring they sent over David
Thompson a Scotchman, Edward Hilton and his
2
10 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
brother William Hilton, who had been fishmongers
in London, with several other persons to commence
the settlement, and furnished them with provisions,
tools, and implements of every kind, necessary for
accomplishing the great undertaking. These per-
sons arrived safely in the harbour ; but the precise
time of their landing, and in what vessel they came
is uncertain. The two Hiltons went up the river
about eight miles, and settled on a neck of land, cal-
led by the natives Winnichahannat j but which they
named Northam, since included in the town of Do-
ver. Thompson and his party established themselves
on the west side of Piscataqua river, near the mouth
of the westerly branch, which they called Little-
Harbour. Here the first house was erected, which
was built on this plantation. The site of this house
was on a peninsula, or point of land, now called Odi-
orne's point, which is formed by Little-Harbour on
the north east, and a creek on the south, with a
large tract of salt marsh on the west. This place
was selected with great judgment. The peninsula
contains about five hundred acres of land, on which
is a commanding eminence; where are evident re-
mains of an ancient fort, and situated so as to be a
complete defence against the incursions of a savage
enemy. The house was erected a few rods to the
northward of the fort. The present possessors of
the land point out the spot on which it stood. They
think they have discovered the foundation of the
chimney and the cellar walls. These were standino;
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. H
when Mr. Hubbard wrote his history in 1680.
Three or four thousand acres of land were annexed
to this building, with an intention of forming a ma-
nor there, according to the English custom. In the
division of the property, which took place after-
wards among the company of Laconia, this part of it
was allotted to Capt. John Mason, who devised it by
his last will, to his grandson Robert Tufton, by the
name of Mason-Hall. Procuring a sufficient supply
of salt for the use of the fishery, was one important
object, among othere, which demanded the attention
of these first settlers. A large quantity was necessa-
ry for preserving the fish, which were taken in
abundance. They erected salt works here, and
manufactured salt to good advantage. Trading with
the natives for furs was pursued by some of the set-
tlers ; others attended to the cultivation of the earth,
and raised those articles, which were essentially ne-
cessary for their support, and which they could not
otherwise obtain.
The colony of Plymouth were alarmed at the
scarcity of provisions amongst them ; and Governor
Bradford sent Captain Standish to procure some.
He came to Piscataqua, and the settlers here suppli-
ed him. David Thompson accompanied him to Ply-
mouth on his return, and made a short visit to that
colony.
12 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1624.
Thompson having seen a very pleasant and fruit-
ful island in the Massachusetts bay, which he pre-
ferred to his situation at Piscataqua, removed there
in the spring, within a year after he began his for-
mer settlement. The General Court of the Massa-
chusetts colony, sometime afterwards confirmed this
island to him ; and it has ever since been called after
him, Thompson's island.
A ship arrived at Plymouth, which brought over
three heifers and a bull. These were the first neat
cattle that were imported into New-England.
Several merchants and adventurers belonging to
Dorchester, in England, sent over some fishermen,
with every thing necessary for carrying on the fish-
ery, who made an establisliment for that purpose at
Cape-Ann : John Oldham and Roger Conant, who
had left the Plymouth colony, were appointed over-
seers.
1625.
Captain Wollaston, with three or four persons of
eminence, and thirty labourers, began a settlement
on Massachusetts bay, at a place since called Brain-
tree : the southerly part being mountainous, they
called it Mount Wollaston.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 13
1626.
Captain Wollasrton did not remain more than a
year on his plantation. It did not answer his ex-
pectation, and he removed with the greater part of
his assistants and servants to Virginia. Thomas
Morton and several others remained behind. In
the fall, Mr. Conant removed from Cape-Ann to
Naumkeag (Salem) and settled on a fruitful and
pleasant neck of land. A number of planters made
a settlement at Winnisimmet, and several others
were begun along the coast between Piscataqua and
Plymouth. A neighbourly intercourse was kept up
among them ; and the natives had remained peacea-
ble and friendly since the Europeans arrived here.
1627.
Morton and his companions at Mount Wollaston
acquired considerable property by trading with the
natives ; but being under no restraint, they became
very dissolute ; they changed the name of their resi-
dence to Merry Mount, and erected a May pole
there, around which they had indecent dances and
revelings.
1628.
Thomas Morton had collected round him a num-
ber of runaway servants and disorderly persons, who
14 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
were unwilling to submit to regular government.
This company was formidable to their neighbours
on account of their irregular conduct. They were
likewise in the habit of supplying the Indians with
guns and ammunition, under pretence of employing
them in hunting. The people were alarmed when
they found the savages furnished with fire arms, and
adroit in using them. The principal settlers at
Piscataquaj Naumkeag, Winnisimmet and other pla-
ces, met and agreed to solicit the colony of Plymouth,
which was more powerful than all the rest, to join
in suppressing Morton and his company before they
did further mischief. The Governor accordingly
sent a party under Captain Standish to put a stop to
this unlawful traffic and irregular conduct. They
seized Morton, and confined him ; and dispersed
the most disorderly of his adherents. They after-
wards sent Morton a prisoner to England, by the
first ship, which sailed for that country.
1629.
May 17, John Wheelwright, late of England, a
minister of the gospel, Augustin Story, Thomas
Wight, William Wentworth, and Thomas Leavitt,
purchased of the Indians " all that part of the main
land, bounded by the river Piscataqua and the river
Merrimack, that is to say, beginning at Newiche-
wannock falls in Piscataqua river aforesaid, and so
down said river to the sea, and so along the sea
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 15
shore to Merrimack river, and so up along said river
to the falls of Pautucket aforesaid, and from said
Pautucket falls, upon a northwest line, twenty En-
glish miles into the woods, and from thence, to run
upon a straight line north east and south west, till it
meets with the main rivers that run down to Pau-
tucket falls, and Newichewannock falls, and the said
rivers to be bounds of the said lands, from the thwart
line, or head line to the aforesaid falls, and the main
channel of each river, from Pautucket falls and Ne-
wichewannock falls to the main sea, to be the side
bounds, and the main sea between Piscataqua riv-
er and Merrimack river to be the lower bounds, and
the thwart or head line that runs from river to river,
to be the upper bounds; together with all islands
within said bounds, as also the Isles-of Shoals so
called/^
The principal agents and factors of the company
of Laconia were witnesses to the execution of this
deed, and of the delivery of quiet and peaceable
possession of all the lands therein mentioned, to the
grantees.
The land contained within the boundaries men-
tioned in this deed, includes all the settlements,
which had been made by Mason and his associates
in the patent of Laconia, which were west of Piscat-
aqua river.
It has of late years been suggested, that this deed
is not genuine. It is granted that Wheelwright and
his associates obtained a deed from the Indians, of a
16 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
tract of land, about Squamscot falls, comprehended
in the bounds of Exeter.
Nov. 7, Capt. Jolin Mason procured a new patent
from the Council of Plymouth, under their common
seal, for a tract of land ^' from the middle of Piscat-
aqua river, and up the same to the farthest head
thereof, and from thence north-westward, until sixty-
miles from the mouth of the harbour, were finished ;
also through Mer?imack river, to the farthest head
thereof, and so forward up into the land westward,
until sixty miles were finished ; and from thence to
cross over land to the end of the sixty miles as count-
ed from Piscataqua river ; together with all islands
within five leagues of the coast." The land contain-
ed within this patent, was called New- Hampshire.
This grant included all the land in Wheelwright's
purchase. The grant of Laconia comprehended the
whole of New-Hampshire; and the grant of Massa-
chusetts was to extend three miles north of Merri-
mack river. In this manner the grants were con-
tinually interfering with each other, and the same
lands were frequently conveyed to different propri-
etors. The boundary line between Massachusetts
and New-Hampshire, was settled by agreement,
between Matthew Cradock, the first Governor of
Massachusetts, and Capt. John Mason, to be three
miles northward of the Merrimack.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 17
1630.
March 12, The Council of Plymouth granted to
Edward Hilton and his associates, " all that part of
the river Piscataqua, called or known by the name
of Hilton's point, with the south side of the said river
up to the falls of Squamscot, and three miles into the
main land for breadth.'^ Within these limits are
contained the towns of Dover, Durham, and Strat-
ham, with part of Newington and Greenland. Cap-
tain Thomas Wiggin was appointed agent for the
grantees of this patent.
1631.
The settlements at Piscataqua did not advance
very rapidly, nor were there many buildings erect-
ed until this year ; they now began to increase.
The 3d of November, the Council made a grant to Sir
Ferdinando Gorges, Capt. John Mason, John Cotton,
Henry Gardner, George Griffith, Edwin Gay, Thom-
as Warnerton, Thomas Eyre, and Eliezer Eyre, who
had already expended three thousand pounds to
promote the settlement of that part of the patent of
Laconia, on which '^ the buildings and salt works
were erected, situate on both sides the harbour and
river of Piscataqua, to the extent of five miles west-
w^ard by the sea coast, then to cross over towards
the other plantation, in the hands of Edward Hilton. '^
These were the original limits of Portsmouth, and
3
18 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
within them were included the present towns of Ports-
mouth, New-Castle, and Rye, with part of Newington
and Greenland. Capt. Thomas Camocks and Henry
Jocclyn were appointed to put the grantees in pos-
session of this tract of land. The grantees appointed
Captain Walter Neal their agent, and he resided
at Little-Harbour. The names of the stewards and
servants, sent by Mason into his province of New-
Hampshire, were Walter Neal, Ambross Gibbins,
Thomas Camocks, William Raymond, Francis Wil-
liams, George Vaughan, Thomas Warnerton, Henry
Jocelyn, Francis Norton, Sampson Lane, Renald
Fernald, Ralph Goe, Henry Goe, William Cooper,
William Chadborn, Francis Matthews, Humphrey
Chadborn, William Chadbornj* Jun., Francis Rand,
James Jolinson, Anthony Ellins, Henry Baldwin,
Thomas Spencer, Thomas Furral, Thomas Herd,
'J'homas Chatherton, John Crowther, John Williams,
Roger Knight, Henry Sherborn, John Goddard,
Thomas Fernald, Thomas Withers, Thomas Canney,
John Symonds, John Peverly, William Seavey,
Henry LangstafT, William Berry, Jeremiah Walford,
James Wall, William Brakin, Thomas Walford,
Thomas Moore, Joseph Beal, Hugh James, Alexan-
der Jones, John Ault, William Bracket, James Newt.
The first ten were stewards, and had the superin-
tendence of the various branches of business, which
were carried on in the plantation. Godfrie, who had
been here sometime, lived at Little-Harbour, and
had the care of the fishery. He had under his di-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 19
rection six great shallops, five fishing boats with
sails, anchors, and cables, and thirteen skiffs. Chad-
born built a house near the bank of the main river,
about three miles from the mouth, which was called
the Great House. This was situated near the cor-
ner of Water-street and Pitt-street, and was occupi-
ed by Warnerton. Gibbins had the care of the saw-
mill at Newichewannock, and on his removal to
Sanders' point, where the adventurers gave him a
tract of land for his faithful services, Chadborn
removed to Newichewannock, and took charge of
the saw- mill. The care of the salt works was com-
mitted to Francis Williams. Renald Fernald was a
Surgeon. With the persons above-mentioned, Ma-
son sent over eight Danes and twenty-two women.
The Danes were employed in sawing lumber, and in
making potash. The proprietors likewise sent over
several cannon and other warlike implements, which
their agents placed on the northeast point of Great-
Island, at the mouth of the great harbour, which
they called Fort Point. They laid out the ground
<' about a bow- shot from the water-side to a high
rock, on which it was intended, in time, to build
the principal fort." — A severe contest arose between
the agents of the two plantations, respecting the set-
tlement of a point of land, which extended into the
river from the southwestern shore, and which was
equally convenient for both plantations. Wiggin
began to make improvements upon it ; Neal order-
ed him to desist. Wiggin persisted, and threatened
20 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
to defend his right by the sword : Neal replied in
the same determined manner ; and they would have
proceeded to extremities, if some more moderate
persons liad not persuaded them to refer the dispute
to their employers. From these circumstances the
contested place was called Bloody-point, and still
retains that name.
1632.
Capt. Neal, Henry Jocelyn, and Darby Field set
out on foot to explore the interior part of the coun-
try, in which they expected to meet with the great
lakes, at a distance not exceeding one hundred miles.
In this route they visited tlie White hills ; and from
some chrystals, which they found there, they gave
them the name of the Chrystal-hills. Their provis-
ions growing scanty, and not being able to obtain a
further supply in the wilderness, they were obliged
to return, before they reached the lakes. They de-
scribed the country through which they passed, in a
most romantic style. In tlie fall of this year, the
settlements along the sea-coast were alarmed with
the conduct of one Dixy Bull, and fifteen others,
whom he had associated with him. They committed
several acts of piracy, and rifled the fort at Pema-
quid. Tbe two plantations on Piscataqua river,
united and fitted out four pinnaces and shallops, in
which they sent forty men. These being joined by
a bark from Boston, with twenty men on board;
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 21
proceeded to Pemaquid in search of the pirates ; but
they had gone farther to the eastward before this
force arrived there, and by that means escaped be-
ing arrested. It was said that Bull was afterwards
executed in England. .
1633.
The bank of the river above where the Great
House was built, and extending some distance above
what is now called Church-hill, produced a large
quantity of strawberries, on which account it was
called Strawberry-bank, and Portsmouth was fre-
quently called by the inhabitants of the neighbouring
towns, The Bank, until the middle of the 18th cen-
tury.
By order of the Proprietors, Capt. Neal, agent of
the lower plantation, and Capt. Thomas Wiggin, the
agent for the upper plantation, made a survey of
their respective patents, and agreed upon their
boundary lines. The lower patent runs from the
Harbour's mouth by the sea-side to the entrance of a
little river between two head lands, which they cal-
led Little Boar's Head, and Great Boar's Head, and
from the mouth of that little river to go on a straight
line to Wheelwright's Creek; and from thence down
the river to where it began. But these bounda-
ries included part of Hilton's patent, which ex-
tended three miles on the south side of the river
into the woods. This line was also adjusted by
them^ and a plan sent to the proprietors.
22 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1634.
Capt Neal returned to England, and the princi-
pal agency of the lower plantation devolved upon
Ambross Gibbins and Thomas Warnerton. The
proprietors had advanced large sums of money and
received but small returns in lumber and furs, far
short of their expenses : most of them were discour-
aged, and sold their proportion of the lands and pub-
lic stock to Mason and Gorges. These persons en-
gaged with new ardour in the undertaking, and made
every necessary provision for carrying on their plan-
tations and other business in New-Hampshire, ex-
tensively. They appointed Francis Williams Gov-
ernor. " He was a discreet, sensible man, accom-
plished in his manners, and was very acceptable to
the people."
Mason and Gorges made a division of the proper-
ty they held in common, and Gorges relinquished
his right to all the lands iu New-Hampshire.
1635.
On the 22d day of April the council of Plymouth
made a grant to Capt. John Mason, of lands "extend-
ing from Naumkeag to Piscataqua, and sixty miles
northwest-ward within the land, together with the
south half of the Isles-of-Shoals." This grant com-
prehended all that was contained in his two former
patents. In the month of June following, the Coun-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 23
cil surrendered their charter to the king. It has
been reported that Charles 1st, by charter dated
August 19, 1635, confirmed to Captain John Mason
the aforesaid tract of land, granted to him by the
Council of Plymouth, by the name of the province
of New-Hampshire. This royal charter cannot be
found on record, and it is denied by some that it
ever existed. By a letter from George Vaughan to
Arabross Gibbins, it seems improbable that it ever
did.
Mason provided most liberally for his stewards
and tenants. It appears by an inventory of the
goods and implements belonging to his plantation at
Piscataqua and Newichewannock, taken in July,
that they had on hand a great abundance of arms,
ammunition and military stores, and of clothing ; all
sorts of smith's, cooper's, carpenter's, and mason's
tools ; a quantity of naval stores and fishing gear, pro-
visions, and cattle. The neat cattle were procured
at Denmark, were of a large breed and yellow col-
our ; they had been sent over three or four years
since, and were the first cattle imported from Eu-
rope into New-Hampshire.
In September, Gorges sold to Mason a tract of
land on the northeast side of the river Piscataqua,
extending three miles in breadth, and following the
course of the river from its mouth to its farthest
head, including the saw-mills at Newichewannock-
falls.
24 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
But as Mason's prospects began to brighten, and
whilst he was flattering himself with the hopes of
increasing his fortune by the settlement of New-
Hampshire, he was taken away by death. Mason
was bold and enterprising, and after he had obtain-
ed the grant of New-Hampshire, he advanced large
sums of money to promote its settlement without
receiving any immediate benefit. Perhaps had his
life been spared, he might have enjoyed some small
fruits of his labour, even if he had not amassed so
great riches as he had expected. At any rate he
was the principal means of the settlement of this
place, and on that account his memory should be
respected.
He died the 26th of November, and by his will,
made a few days before his death, after several de-
vises, he gave to his grandson, Robert Tufton, his
manor of Mason Hall, and to his grandson, John
Tufton, the residue of his estate in New-Hampshire,
requiring each of them to take the name of Mason.
Captain Mason was never in this country himself.
His estate in New-Hampshire was valued at ten
thousand pounds sterling.
1638.
Mrs. Anne Mason, who was executrix of Captain
Mason's will, appointed Francis Norton her attor-
ney, with general powers to take tiie management of
the estate in New-Hampshire into his hands.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 25
On the second of June, there was a severe shock of
an earthquake. It appeared at first like distant
thunder; as the sound approached, the earth began
to tremble, and with so much violence, as to throw
down dishes and plates, which stood upon the
shelves ; many were afraid that their houses would
fall. Harvard College may date its origin from this
year. The General Court had, two years ago, made
a grant of two hundred pounds for the support of a
public school at Newtown. Reverend John Har-
vard, minister of Charlestown, gave a great part of
his estate, valued at about eight hundred pounds, for
the same use. The General Court incorporated this
seminary by the name of Harvard College, in honour
of the donor. The name of the town was changed
from Newtown to Cambridge. This was the first
literary institution in the English Colonies, and all
were interested in its welfare.
1639.
Mrs. Mason soon found that the income received
from the estate here, would not justify the expense
incurred. She neglected to furnish supplies, and her
agents and stewards made her no more remittances,
but divided the goods and cattle among themselves.
Many of the people left the plantations, and those
who remained, kept possession of the buildings and
lands; and claimed them as their own.
4
26 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1640.
The inhabitants of Portsmouth, having been des-
titute of any eflicient government from the time of
its first settlement to the present period, entered into
a social contract to establish a government among
themselves. They elected Francis Williams, Gov-
ernor, and Ambross Gibbins and Thomas Warnerton,
assistants.
On the twenty-fifth of May, twenty of the inhab-
itants, including the Governor and one of the assist-
ants, made a deed of fifty acres of land for a glebe to
Thomas Walford and Henry Sherburne, church war-
dens, and their successors forever, as feoffees in trust.
Twelve acres of this land is situated in the compact
part of the town, and is bounded easterly on Court-
street, southerly on land of Daniel Rogers, and the so-
ciety of the Universalists, westerly by land of William
Sheafe, Mrs. Elwyn, William Stavers, and George
Simes ; and northerly by Congress-street. The re-
mainder of the fifty acres is situated on the road lead-
ing from the head of the north mill-pond to the plains.
This land has been granted on long leases upon very
small annual rents. The names of the subscribers to
this deed, are Francis Williams, Governor, Ambross
Gibbins, assistant, William Jones, Renald Fernald,
John Crowther, Anthony Bracket, Michael Chather-
ton, John Wall, Robert Puddington, Henry Sher-
burne, John Landen, Henry Tayler, John Jones,
William Berry, John Pickering, John Billing, John
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 27
Wotten, Nicholas Row, Matthew Coe, William
Palmer. It appeared by this deed that a par-
sonage house and chapel were already erected on
the premises. The parsonage house stood where
John Goddard Esquire's house now stands. The
chapel was furnished with one great bible, twelve
service books, one pewter flaggon, one communion
cup and cover of silver, two fine table-cloths, and
two napkins, which had been sent over by Mason.
The people were not puritanical in their religious
sentiments, but retained their attaciiment to the
Church of England. Governor Winthrop says,
<< some of them were professed enemies to the way
of our churches." They made choice of Richard
Gibson, an Episcopal clergyman, for their first par-
son, and their worship was conducted agreeably to
the ritual of the English Church.
Mr. Gibson did not continue long at Portsmouth.
Having given offence to the government of Massa-
chusetts, he was summoned before the Court at Bos-
ton ; but upon his submission, and in consideration
of his being a stranger, and intending to leave the
country, " they discharged him without fine or pun-
ishment.*' It does not appear what his offence was,
for which he was obliged to answer. At the pres-
ent day it would be considered as a very arbitrary
measure for any court to summon a person, belonging
to another government, to answer for an offence com-
mitted without their jurisdiction, more especially as
there then was a government established, whose
28 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
courts had cognizance of every breach of the law,
Hanserd Knolles was the minister of Dover, but ma-
ny of the people were desirous of removing him for
immoral conduct. Thomas Larkham arrived from
England about this time, and being a popular preach-
er, the party in opposition to Knolles employed him
as their minister. Knolles' friends were the most nu-
merous, and they excommunicated Larkham. A riot
ensued ; the parties armed themselves, and Lark-
ham sent to Governor Williams for assistance, who
immediately went to Dover with a company under
arms, and arrested Underbill, the Governor and
Knolles. Williams, acting as a magistrate, although
without his own jurisdiction, tried them as rioters,
and found them guilty ; and having fined them,
obliged them to remove out of the government-
164L
The settlements on Piscataqua river and its
branches were formed into distinct governments, so
that there were existing at the commencement of
this year, four separate republics, independent of
each other, namely : Portsmouth, Kittery, Dover,
and Exeter. It had been long in agitation among
the principal persons in these towns to unite with
Massachusetts, and put themselves under their pro-
tection. The government of Massachusetts, desi-
rous of extending their jurisdiction over a territory
which they thought was included in their charter,
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 29
were willing to receive them. A negotiation took
place between that colony, and the towns of Ports-
mouth and Dover. On the fourteenth of April the
terms of the un on were agreed on, and the contract
was ^^ subscribed in the presence of the General
Court by George Willys, Robert Saltonstall, William
Whiting, Edward Holyoke, and Thomas Makepeace,
in behalf of themselves an.l the other partners of
the two patents." By this contract, Massachusetts
was to have ^^jurisdiction of government of the said
people, dwelling or abiding within the limits of both
the said patents, to be ruled and ordered in all caus-
es, criminal and civil, as inhabitants, dwelling within
the limits of Massachusetts' government, and to be
subject to pay in church and commonwealth, as the
said inhabitants of Massachusetts' Bay do, and no
other : and the freemen of the said two patents, to
enjoy the like liberties as other freemen do within
the said Massachusetts' government ; and that there
shall be a court of justice kept within one of the two
patents, which shall have the same power that the
courts at Salem and Ipswich have." They were to
send two deputies to the General Court. Exeter was
not included in this contract, but was admitted into
the union in September, the year following. Com-
missioners were sent to Piscataqua, "who appointed
Francis Williams, Thomas Warnerton, and Ambross
Gibbins of Portsmouth, and Edward Hilton, Thomas
Wiggin, and William Waldron of Dover, as magis-
trates, which appointments were confirmed by the
General Court."
30 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1642.
By a law of Massachusetts, no freeman was allow-
ed to vote in town- meeting, nor sit as a deputy in
the General Court, unless he were a church member.
On the eighth of September this law was dispensed
with, as to the towns in New-Hampshire. As there
had not been any minister settled, nor any church
formed in this place after Mr. Gibson's departure,
it is not probable that many of the inhabitants were
members of any church. This qualification there-
fore was not required in the management of their
town aflPairs, or for their deputies to obtain a seat in
the General Court.
In the month of December, the town invited Mr.
James Parker of Weymouth, ^^ a godly man, and a
scholar,'' to be their minister. He consulted with
several magistrates and elders of the churches in
Massachusetts, and by their advice accepted the
call. He came and taught among them through the
winter, but was not ordained nor settled here. He
afterwards removed to Barbadoes.
1643.
A new county was formed, which comprehended all
the towns between Merrimack and Piscataqua rivers,
namely : Salisbury, Hampton, Haverhill, Exeter, Do-
ver, and Strawberry- Bank, and was called Norfolk.
Salisbury was made the shire town. But Dover
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 31
and Portsmouth, although belonging to the new
county, had a separate jurisdiction ; and a court,
composed of one or more of the magistrates or assist-
ants of these towns, and commissioners, chosen by
the General Court from the principal persons of each
town, was held once or twice a year for the trial of
causes, regulating their decisions by the laws of Mas-
sachusetts. This was called the court of associates ;
and their jurisdiction extended to causes, where the
matter in dispute did not exceed twenty pounds.
An appeal lay from their decisions to the board of
assistants. An Inferior Court, consisting of three
persons, was established in each town, with juris-
diction over all causes of twenty shillings value, or
under.
1644.
Thomas Warnerton resided at the Great house
until this year ; he now shipped a large quantity of
goods and arms, which formerly belonged to Captain
Mason, and carried them to Port Royal, where he
sold them to the French. He was slain soon after-
wards in a rencontre with the inhabitants. After
Warnerton's death, Sampson Lane, who had been
one of Mason's stewards, took possession of the Great
house. There were attached to it about one thou-
sand acres of land, consisting of marsh, meadow,
planting, and pasture grounds, and mostly under
improvement.
32 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1645.
Norton drove above an hundred head of oxen,
which belonged to Mason's plantations, to Boston,
and sold them there at twenty pounds sterling a
head. He did not return to New-Hampshire, but
abandoned the plantations there, and settled in
Charlestown near Boston.
No person was allowed to be held in slavery, ex-
cept those who were taken prisoners in war, or
were sentenced to servitude by some judicial court
for an offence, for which by law they forfeited their
liberty. Captain Smith, on a voyage to Guinea, sur-
reptitiously brought off a negro, and sold him here
as a slave to Mr. Williams. The General Court
enquired into the matter, and Captain Smith and
his crew confessed the fact. The Court thought
proper to write to Mr. Williams, requiring him
forthwith to send to them the negro, bought of Cap-
tain Smith, that he may be sent home, which they
were resolved to do without delay. And if he have
any thing to allege why he should not return the
negro to be disposed of by the Court, it will be ex-
pected that he should forthwith make it appear, ei-
ther by himself or his agent.
1646.
Lane, having resided nearly three years on the
plantation at Strawberry-Bank, embarked for Eng-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 33
land. He had been engaged in navigation, and
owned some shipping. Richard Ciitt succeeded
him in the occupation of the Great house.
1647.
Some where about this time, an alteration took
place in the formation of the courts in Portsmouth
and Dover. The associates were chosen by the in-
habitants of both towns, in a joint meeting, at which
their selectmen were present. These associates
were united with the magistrates to constitute the
court. Sometimes the General Court, by request of
the inhabitants, appointed the associates, as they
had formerly done.
1648.
The delusion respecting witchcraft made its ap-
pearance this year. Margaret Jones, of Charlestown,
was accused of being a witch. It was said she pos-
sessed so much malignity, that if she touched a per-
son in anger, however slightly, it produced convul-
sions, or other disorders, attended with violent pains.
Upon such testimony, she was convicted and execut-
ed. This was the first execution for this offence
in New-England. After her death, her husband
determined to quit the country, and took passage
for Barbadoes on board a ship, then lying in Charles
River, with horses on board. The ship suddenly
5
34 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
began to roll, and it was feared she would overset.
Jones, who was suspected of being the cause, was
arrested and committed to gaol. After which, the
ship ceased rolling, and rode quietly at anchor until
she sailed.
1649.
Things, in themselves indifferent, have at times
become important. Many innocent actions have
been made criminal by the folly or superstition of
mankind. The drinking of healths, a few years
since, was prohibited by law, as a heathenish practice.
This year wearing of long hair was condemned, as
sinful. The Governor, Deputy Governor, and Ma-
gistrates, entered into an association to prevent the
growing evil. " Forasmuch as the wearing of long
hair, after the manner of ruffians and barbarous In-
dians, has begun to invade New-England, contrary
to the rule of God's word, which says it is a shame
for a man to wear long hair, as also the commendable
custom generally, of all the godly of our nation until
within this few years : We, the magistrates, who
have subscribed this paper (for the shewing of our
own innocency in this behalf) do declare and man-
ifest our dislike and detestation against the wearing
of such long hair, as against a thing uncivil and
unmanly, whereby men do deform themselves, and
offend sober and modest men, and do corrupt good
manners : We do, therefore, earnestly entreat all
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 35
the elders of this jurisdiction (as often as they shall
see cause) to manifest their zeal against it in their
public administrations, and to take care that the
members of their respective churches be not defiled
therewith, that so, such as shall prove obstinate, and
will not reform themselves, may have God and man
to witness against them."
1650.
John Tufton, the grandson of Captain Mason, and
the first heir named in his will, died in his infancy,
and the estate in New-Hampshire descended, after
the death of his mother, to his brother Robert Tuf-
ton, who became of age this year.
1652.
Commissioners were chosen in town-meeting for
the " ending of small causes," and the town appoint-
ed the times when they should hold their courts at
<^ Strawberry-Bank."
This year the selectmen examined the old town
books ; and what was not approved was crossed out,
and what was approved, was left to be recorded in
a new book.
The common lands were granted by vote of the
town ; and an excise vv-^as laid upon wines, which
was paid to the town treasurer; by the persons li-
censed to sell them.
36 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Deeds were executed in presence of two witnesses,
and recorded in the town records.
Mrs. Mason sent over Joseph Mason, as her agent,
to take charge of the estate here. He found Rich-
ard Leader in possession of the lands at Newichewan-
nock, and commenced actions against him before the
court in the County of Norfolk. Doubts arose
whether the lands in dispute were within the ju-
risdiction of Massachusetts, and the question was
referred to the General Court, who ordered a survey-
to be made of the northern boundaries of their
patent.
1653.
A committee of the General Court, two surveyors
and several Indians for guides, went in search of
the most northerly point of Merrimack river, which
the Indians informed them, was at Aquedoctan, the
outlet of Winnepissiogee lake. The latitude of this
place was found by observation, to be 43 degrees, 40
minutes, 12 seconds : to which they added three
miles. They then sent two experienced seamen to
find the same latitude on the eastern shore, who as-
certained it to be on the north point of an island in
Casco bay. A line drawn through these two points,
from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, according to
their construction of the charter, they determined
to be their northern boundary, which included the
whole of Mason's claim, and the greater part of
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 37
Gorges'. The Court granted to the heirs of Mason,
a quantity of land in lieu of what had been assigned
him by Gorges and others, as a compensation for his
disbursements and expenses. The agent saw no
prospect of success, and therefore made no further
attempt to recover any part of the estate, but re-
turned to England.
1655.
At a town-meeting, held on the eleventh of April,
the inhabitants ^^ generally acknowledged themselves
willing that Mr. Browne should continue their min-
ister, as he had been, if he were so pleased ;" and at
a meeting the tenth of July, '^^ It is ordered that
Mr. Browne, our minister, is to give an account of
what is his due from the inhabitants before this
day." It is uncertain how long he had been preach-
ing here, or how long he afterwards continued.
1656.
April 14th. At a town-meeting it is mentioned,
that Mr. Sherburne hath promised to entertain Mr.
Browne. The votes of the last year, and this memo-
randum, are all that can be found respecting him.
The inhabitants voted in town-meeting, on the
twenty-seventh day of October, to give an invitation
to Mr. Samuel Dudley, son of Thomas Dudley, the
38 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Deputy Governor of Massachusetts, to be their miu-
ister, and to give him a salary of eighty pounds a
year ; and appointed the selectmen a committee to
present him the vote, and make a contract with him.
They waited upon him the 10th of November, and
presented him the vote of the town. Be accepted
the proposition, and agreed to visit them the next
spring ; but it does not appear that he ever came.
He was afterwards settled at Exeter, and died there
in 1683, aged 77.
The delusion respecting witchcraft, extended it-
self generally throughout New- England : in a few
instances it appeared in this town. Goodwife Wal-
ford was brought before the court of assistants for
this offence, upon the complaint of Susannah Trim-
mings. A recital of the testimony will shew how
far a disordered imagination contributed to make a
person believe she was bewitched j and what degree
of credulity was necessary, to fix the offence upon
the person accused. Mrs. Trimmings testified, *' As
I was going home on Sunday night, the 30th of
March, I heard a rustling in the woods, which I
supposed to be occasioned by swine, and presently
there appeared a woman, whom I apprehended to
be old Goodwife Walford. She asked me to lend
her a pound of cotton ; I told her I had but two
pounds in the house, and I would not spare any to
my mother. She said I had better have done it, for
I was^oing a great journey, but should never come
there. She then left me, and I was struck as with
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 39
a clap of fire on the back ; and she vanished toward
the water side, in my apprehension, in the shape of
a cat. She had on her head a white linen hood,
tied under her chin, and her waistcoat and petticoat
were red, with an old green apron, and a black hat
upon her head." Oliver Trimmings, her husband,
said, " my wife came home in a sad condition. She
passed by me with her child in her arms, laid the
child on the bed, sat down on the chest, and leaned
upon her elbow. Three times I asked her how she
did. She could not speak. I took her in my arms,
and held her up, and repeated the question. She
forced breath, and something stopped in her throat,
as if it would have stopped her breath. I unlaced
her clothes, and soon she spake, and said. Lord have
mercy upon me, this wicked woman will kill me. I
asked her what woman. She said Goodwife Wal-
ford. I tried to persuade her, it was only her weak-
ness. She told me no, and related as above, that
her back was as a flame of fire, and her lower parts,
were, as it were, numb and without feeling. I
pinched her, and she felt not. She continued that
night, and the day and night following, very ill, and
is still bad of her limbs, and complains still daily
of it."
Nicholas Rowe testified, '• that Jane Walford,
shortly after she was accused, came to the deponent
in bed, in the evening, and put her hand upon his
breast, so that he could not speak, and was in great
pain till the next day. By the light of the fire in
40 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the next room, it appeared to be Goody Walford,
but she did not speak. She repeated her visit
about a week after, and did as before ; but said no-
thing."
Eliza Barton deposed, ^^ that she saw Susannah
Trimmings at the time she was ill, and her
face was coloured and spotted with several col-
ours. She told the deponent the story, who replied
that it was nothing but her fantasy ; her eyes looked
as if they had been scalded.'^
John Puddington deposed, that ^^ three years
since, Goodwife Walford come to his mother's. She
said that her own husband called her an old witch ;
and when she came to her cattle, her husband would
bid her begone, for she did overlook the cattle,
which is as much as to say in our country, be-
witching."
Agnes Puddington deposes, that ^^ on the 11th
of April, the wife of W. Evans came to her house,
and lay there all night ; and a little after sun-
set the deponent saw a yellowish cat ; and Mrs.
E. said she was followed by a cat, wherever she
went. John came and saw a cat in the garden —
took down his gun to shoot her ; the eat got up on
a tree, and the gun would not take fire, and after-
ward the cock would not stand. She afterwards
saw three cats, — the yellow one vanished away on
the plain ground ; she could not Lell which way they
went."
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 41
The first settlers were careful not to give titles to
persons who had no claim to them. The degree of
Esquire, was conferred on none but rulers and ma-
gistrates, and very few were addressed by the title
of Mr. There are instances, where persons have
been degraded, or deprived of this title by sentence
of a judicial court; which ordered that the defend-
ant should hereafter be called by the name of
and not Mr. as he formerly used to be. The common
appellation between neighbours, was Goodman, and
Goodwife, or Goody.
1657.
On the first day of January, Henry Sherburne was
chosen by the town, to be clerk of the County Court,
and Richard Cutt to be an associate of the County
Court.
On the 27th day of August, the town empowered
Brian Pendleton, John Cutt, Richard Cutt, William
Seavey, and Henry Sherburne, the Selectmen, to
build a new meeting-house ; which they accordingly
erected two or three rods to the southward of the
mill-dam, on the crotch of the roads, leading to the
pound, and Frame-point.
The inhabitants voted to give a call to Mr.
Waster to settle with them in the ministry, in case
they could agree with him after he had made a visit
and preached here. On the seventh of September,
the Selectmen sent one of their number to make the
6
42 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
proposal to liira. It is uncertain whether he ever
preached here.
1658.
Joshua Moody began his ministerial labours in
this town, the beginning of this year. He was at
first supported by subscription, eighty-six persons
having subscribed for that purpose.
The town made a grant of the mill privilege at
the outlet of the south creek to John Pickering, up-
on condition that he should make and keep in repair
a way for foot passengers over the dam, in going to
and from meeting.
There was a great earthquake this year.
1659,
February 21st. The selectmen granted ^^ to Mr.
John Cutt full liberty to set up a saw-mill and corn-
mill on the creek leading up to the fresh marsh.
He had the privilege of cutting timber on the com-
mon, for the saw-mill, both pine and oak, or any
other timber. He was to grind corn for the town
at all times, when required ; and he was allowed the
term of five years for building of said mills." Mr.
Cutt erected a saw- mill and grist-mill at the head of
the creek within the limited time. The saw-mill stood
below the bridge, west of the place where Mr. Ham's
house now stands, and the water was brought to
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 43
it across the road. Gondolas could come to the foot
of the mill to take away the boards and lumber.
The grist-mill was built at the dam, which was made
across the fresh stream just above the place to which
the tide flows. The remains of the dam are very
apparent at this day.
1660.
The meeting-house or chapel, which had been
erected on the glebe land, was disused after the
new one was built at the south end. The town de-
termined to alter it into a dwelling-house for the
use of the minister, and Richard Cutt was appoint-
ed, by the selectmen, to superintend the work.
On the 5th of March, the town voted, in a formal
manner, to settle Mr. Moody with them in the min-
istry.
When Charles the second ascended the throne,
Robert Tufton, who had taken the name of Mason,
entertained some hopes of recovering his property
in New-Hampshire, and petitioned the king, com-
plaining of the " encroachments of the Massachu-
setts' Colony upon his lands, their making grants,
and giving titles to the inhabitants, and thereby
dispossessing him, and keeping him out of his
right," and prayed for redress. The king referred
the petition to Sir Geoffry Palmer, the Attorney-
General, who made his report on the 8th of Novem-
ber, that " Robert Mason, grandson, and heir to
44 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Captain John Mason, had a good and legal title to
the province of New-Hampshire."
1661.
Mr. George Walton claimed the land at Fort-
point, and commenced building upon it. He pre-
tended, that he had it from Captain Neal, and had
planted there some years since, but produced no
deed or written title. The selectmen ^' forewarned
him to forbear building or fencing on the same,"
because that point of land had been appropriated
for erecting fortifications for the defence of the
harbour. The selectmen, upon application, grant-
ed liberty to Captain Pendleton to set up his wind-
mill upon the Fort- point, towards the beach, be-
cause the mill is of such common and public use.
1662.
September 25th. At a town-meeting, " ordered
that a cage be made, or some other means invented
by the selectmen, to punish such as sleep, or take
tobacco on the Lord's day out of the meeting, in the
time of the public exercise." <' Voted, that who-
ever shall kill a wolf within the bounds of this town,
and shall bring some of the next neighbours, where
such wolf is killed, to testify it was done in this
town's bounds, and shall nayle the head of such wolf
killed, upon the meeting-house, he shall have five
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 45
pounds for his paynes, to be paid by the treasurer,
the proof thereof being made to the treasurer in
being."
1664.
April 18. The town empower the selectmen to
repair the meeting-house, and to hang the bell, and
to do whatever other finishing work, thereunto be-
longing, they shall see needful.
1665.
The government of Massachusetts were continually
making encroachments, not only by extending their
jurisdiction, but by granting lands within the bounda-
ries of New-Hampshire. Mason and his heirs com-
plained of this conduct, and Robert Mason made a rep-
resentation of it to the King, who appointed Colonel
Richard Nichols, Sir Robert Carr, knight, George
Cartwright and Samuel Maverick, Esquires, Com-
missioners, with full powers " to visit the several
colonies in New-England, to examine and determine
all complaints and appeals in matters civil, military,
and criminal ; provide for the peace and security of
the country, according to their good and sound dis-
cretion, and to such instructions as they should receive
from the king, and to certify him of their proceed-
ings." The government of Massachusetts regarded
the appointment of these commissioners, with such
46 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
powers as they were invested with, as a violation of
their charter, and would not submit to their authori-
ty. The Commissioners, excepting Colonel Nichols,
came here in June, and were more favourably re-
ceived than they had been in Boston. There were
many, besides those attached to Mason's interest,
who were disaffected to the government of Mas-
sachusetts, and cheerfully embraced the opportunity
of effecting a change : others were strongly opposed
to a separation. The Commissioners examined into
Mason's claims, but came to no decision respecting
them. They informed the inhabitants of this town,
that they would release them from the government
of Massachusetts, whose jurisdiction did not extend
here. They appointed Justices of the Peace, and
other officers of government, among whom, was
Abraham Corbett, who undertook to act by virtue
of this appointment, but, never having been com-
missioned by government, the General Court declar-
ed his offence to be a high misdemeanor, fined him
five pounds, and committed him, until it was paid.
Corbett was irritated by these proceedings, and, at
the instigation of the Commissioners, drew up a pe-
tition, which he prevailed upon a number of the
inhabitants to sign, in which they complained of the
usurpation of Massachusetts, and prayed to be re-
leased from it. Those, who had refused to sign the
petition, applied to the General Court for advice
and assistance. The Court appointed a committee
of three persons to enquire into the subsisting difii-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 47
eulties and report to them, that they might redress
the grievances. The committee came to this town,
assembled the inhabitants, and enquired into their
complaints. The majority of the people denied that
there was any cause for complaint, declared the ful-
lest confidence in the government, and thei* satisfac-
tion with its administration. — The General Court
issued a warrant, which was signed by the Secreta-
ry, against Corbett " for his tumultuous and sedi-
tious practices against government ;" upon which
he was apprehended, and being examined before the
Governor and magistrates, *' was adjudged guilty of
sedition, and of exciting others to discontent with
the government and laws, and of keeping a disor-
derly house of entertainment, for which offences, he
was sentenced to find sureties for his peaceable be-
haviour and obedience to the laws : he was prohib-
ited from retailing liquors : disabled from holding
any office in the town or Commonwealth, during the
pleasure of the Court ; and obliged to pay a fine of
twenty pounds, and five pounds for the costs of
prosecution.^'
1666.
Whilst the Commissioners were in this town, they
received instructions from the King to have the har-
bours fortified ; in consequence of which, they no-
tified to the inhabitants to meet and adopt measures
to carry his Majesty's orders into execution. As
48 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
soon as the Governor and Council were informed of
these proceedings of the Commissioners, they sent
two officers to New- Hampshire to forbid the towns
to meet on their peril, or to obey the Commission-
ers. But that they might not appear to dispute the
Royal authority, the Governor and Council appoint-
ed a committee to examine the ground, and deter-
mine upon the most suitable place for a fort. They
made their report, that the neck of land on the east-
ward of the Great- Island, where a small fort had
been already built, taking in the Great Rock, and
from thence all the easterly part of the island, was
the most suitable place ; which report was accepted.
The fortification was ordered to be erected there.
Richard Cutt, Esquire, was appointed Captain, and
the men were taken from the companies at Great-
Island and Kittery-Point, who were excused from all
other military duty.
The Commissioners did not accomplish any one
object of their mission in Massachusetts, or in this
province. The government of Massachusetts open-
ly opposed them, and they made an unfavourable re-
port to the King of the treatment they had received.
Colonel Nichols was of a mild, pleasant disposition, and
his courteous deportment gained him the affections of
the people. He was Governor of New- York, and,
during his continuance in office, ^' kept up a friendly
correspondence with the Governor and Company of
Massachusetts." The other Commissioners were of
a very different character. Sir Robert Carr was
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 49
very turbulent and arbitrary, and the difficulties,
which arose between the government and the Com-
missioneps, were principally owing to him, and he
was seconded in all his measures by Cartwright.
The violence of their proceedings rendered them
odious to tlie people. They were recalled by the
King. Nichols remained in the country. Carr
went first to Delaware, and thence to England. He
arrived at Bristol the last of May, 1667, and died
the next day. Cartwright was taken by the Dutch
on his homeward-bound passage. He had taken
minutes of the proceedings of the commissioners and
of the opposition they met with ; but he lost all his
papers at the time he was captured, and could never
recover them, which deprived him of the opportu-
nity of making so general a complaint as he intend-
ed. Maverick had resided in this country from its
first settlement, and had always been in opposition
to government. He went to England with com-
plaints to the King, and solicited the appointment
of commissioners to settle the disputes. He was en-
tirely subservient to the others.
After the return of the con.missioners, Massachu-
setts again peaceably exercised jurisdiction over the
towns in New- Hampshire, as they had formerly done,
and the people appeared to be satisfied with the
government. " At a general town-meeting, on the
19th of June, for the better carrying on the fortifi-
cations at Fort-Point, it was consented unto, and vot-
ed, that every dweller and liver in this town above
7
50 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the age of sixteen years, whether householder, child,
servant, or any other, residing in the town, shall,
and do hereby promise to work at the same, one
whole week, between this and the last of October
next ensuing ; and shall appear upon such days, as
they shall have notice given them from time to time,
until they have accomplished their several weeks'
work, and to be allowed out of their subscriptions,
three shillings per day, and to be at the fort by
seven o'clock in the morning, and to give over at six
in the evening, to begin on the Great Island, and so
round by Sandy beach, and thence through the
whole town."
1669.
The people of New-Hampshire had been united
so long with Massachusetts in their political con-
cerns, that they had contracted the same habits,
and were generally influenced by the same princi-
ples. Harvard College was the only literary insti-
tution in the country, and every friend to learning
was desirous of promoting its interest. It became
necessary to erect a new building for the accommo-
dation of the students, and a general collection was
made for the purpose. Subscriptions were opened
in many places. The inhabitants of this town sub-
scribed sixty pounds, which sum they engaged to pay
annually for seven years, to the overseers of the Col-
lege. Dover gave thirty-two pounds, and Exeter,
ten pounds for the same purpose.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 51
1671.
Although Joshua Moody had regularly preached
here since the year 1658, and the town had voted,
in 1660, to settle him as their minister, he was not
ordained, nor was a church collected here until this
year. Mr. Moody has given a very particular ac-
count of these proceedings, in his church records.
"Portsmouth, N. E. Anno 1671. After many
serious endeavours, which had been used by the
then minister of the place, since the pastor of the
church there, in public, and by several of the in-
habitants in private, the Lord, without whose pres-
ence and blessing, man builds but in vain, was pleas-
ed at length to lay the foundation of an house, for
himself in this place, of the beginning and progress
whereof, here follows a brief but true account.
^' In the winter-time of the foregoing year, viz.
1670, there were several meetings, together of the
minister, with several of the inhabitants, who were
members of other congregations in the country, and
by Providence settled inhabitants in Portsmouth
to discourse and confer about that great work and
necessary duty of entering into church-fellowship,
that themselves might enjoy all the ordinances of
the Lord's house, and their little ones also might be
laid near God's altars, and brought up under the in-
struction and discipline of his house. Nor could
they, that were members of other churches, any
longer satisfy themselves to live without the enjoy-
52 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. .
ment of these edifying and strengthening ordinances,
that their souls had, in some measure, formerly tast-
ed the good of, though now for some years, been
kept from. Others also, well affected to the work,
professed their longings after those fat and marrow-
ed things in God's house, and their readiness to join
with them in helping to build, if they should be
found fit for the same.
<^ Hereupon, several assembled in private, and
sought the Lord by fasting and prayer, that he
would discover to us a right way, there being ma-
ny fears and discouragements before us, for our-
selves and our little ones, and we hope we may say
he was intreated of us, as the event hath in some
measure, blessed be his name, made manifest.
" It was agreed that those, which were in full
communion with other congregations abroad, should
acquaint the respective churches, to which they did
belong, with the motion on foot, and desire their ad-
vice, approbation, countenance, and prayers therein,
which was accordingly done.
<' There was a meeting appointed in a private
house, wherein all that had given in their names
for the work, were to assemble, and to read each to
other, a reason of the hope that was in them, by
giving account of their knowledge and experience,
that so they might be satisfied one in another, and
be capable of joining together as members of the
same body. Several days were spent in this exer-
cise, to the mutual refreshing and endearing of the
AlVNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 53
speaker, and to the awakening and warning of oth-
ers of the neighbours, that were, as they had liberty
to be, present at these exercises.
" In fine, there was another meeting to enquire
whether all, that had made relations, were so satisfi-
ed, one in another, as to their relations and conver-
sations, as that they could with freedom of spirit
join in a body together, and unite in the same socie-
ty according to the rules of Christ. What grounds
of scruples lay upon the spirits of any, with refer-
ence to one or other of the fore-mentioned company,
was lovingly and plainly propounded, and satisfac-
tion was ingenuously tendered on the one party and
accepted by the other. Furthermore, we did dis-
course of, and discover our apprehensions and per-
suasions concerning the order and discipline of the
house of God. And there was a unanimous consent
unto what had been publicly delivered in many
sermons in the latter end of the year 1670, and the
beginning of the year 1671, from Ezekiel, xliii. 10,
11, 12, about the laws, ordinances, and forms of the
house, with the goings out thereof, and the comings
in thereof. Of such high concernment did, and do
we account it to be for peace and edification of the
whole, that both pastor and people should in these
matters, at least for the substance, and as near as
may be in mere circumstantials also, speak the same
things.
^^ Hereupon, there were some appointed to ac-
quaint the civil authority, according to the law of
54 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the country, with what was thought on among us,
that by the good liking and encouragement of the
same, we might make an orderly and comfortable
procedure in the work before us. Which being
done, several churches were sent to, and entreated
to send their elders and messengers upon the
which was appointed for the gathering of the chinch
and ordination of the officers therein. The church
of Cambridge was sent to, because the pastor did
belong to that cliurch. They brought his dismis-
sion. Also the church at Ipswich, Rowley, and
Hampton. They met accordingly, and Governor
Leverett came also, and several magistrates with
him. For no church could settle a minister without
the approbation of the Governor and rulers.
^' He, tliat was appointed pastor, preached in the
morning out of Ezekiel, xlviii. ult. After sermon
some intermission was made, and on their meeting
again, the pastor with all those, who were to be
beginners of the new church, made their relations,
and those who were members of other churches, had
their dismissions, and all made their relations, wheth-
er members or non-members, and they were approv-
ed by the messengers of the churches, and embodied
into a church by an explicit covenant. Then the
pastor was ordained after the unanimous vote of the
church for the choice of him, and liberty given to
all the congregation to object, if they had ought to
say. He was ordained by several of the elders at
the desire of the church. Mr. Cabot giving him his
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 55
charge, and Mr. Wheelwright, the right hand of fel-
lowship. Then the pastor ordained Samuel Haines,
deacon, with imposition of hand and prayer. A
psalm was sung, and the congregation dismissed by
the pastor, with a prayer and blessing."
There were nine persons, who entered into cove-
nant and composed the first church, namely, Joshua
Moody, John Cutt, Richard Cutt, Elias Stileman,
Richard Martyn, Samuel Haynes, James Pendleton,
John Fletcher, and John Tucker.
The Selectmen agree with William Cotton to
fence the ground for a training-field, and to clear ofT
all the trees and bushes from the same.
N. B. This is the same ground, which the town
conveyed to the south parish in 1809, and is now
occupied by the Rev. Doctor Parker.
July 24. The Selectmen agree with John Pick-
ering to build a cage twelve feet square, with stocks
within it, and a pillory on the top, a convenient
space from the west end of the meeting-house.
1672.
March 12. Voted, that if any shall smoke tobac-
co in the meeting-house at any public meeting, he
shall pay a fine of five shillings for the use of the
town.
The General Court at Boston, appointed Elias
Stileman, John Oilman, and Samuel Dalton, a com-
mittee to settle boundaries between this town and
Hampton.
56 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The Court likewise " declares that they shall be
willing to grant to Portsmouth land for a village,
when they shall declare to this Court the place
where they desire it."
1673.
The town voted and consented to assume, and
carry into effect the engagement made by individu-
als of the town, in the year 1669, to pay sixty
pounds annually, for seven years, for the benefit of
Harvard College.
John Pickering, in a general town-meeting, held
the 13th of March, ^' did voluntarily and freely for
himself and heirs forever, surrender to the town an
highway of two rods broad, through his land, com-
monly called Pickering's neck, with liberty to pass
over his dam, both for horse and foot, to and from
the meeting-house, and this to lie forever for a pub-
lic highway." In consideration whereof ^< the town,
though they believe and know that it was their own
before, yet to gratify the said John Pickering, and
to prevent what trouble might otherwise arise, do-
freely give him fifty acres of land in some conven-
ient place, where the town hath any common land."
Pickering engaged to build a sufiicient bridge sijf
feet wide over his mill-dam, for the sum of fifty
shillings, and to maintain the said bridge during his
natural life, for twenty shillings a year.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 57
1675.
A war broke out between the Indians and the
Plymouth Colony. The tribe of Womponoags, who
were their nearest neighbours, commenced the hos-
tilities, and from the name of their sachem, it was
called Philip's war. But it soon became general,
and all the English settlements from Plymouth to
Kennebeck, were involved in it. A circumstance
took place, which incited the eastern Indians more
readily to join in it. A sachem named Squando
resided near the river Saco. He was a person of
great consequence, not only with his own tribe, but
also with all the neighbouring Indians : He possess-
ed, as they supposed, a power of divination and en-
chantment, and took the lead in their religious ex-
ercises, which gave him great influence among them.
Some sailors met his squaw, who had her infant with
her on the river in a canoe, which they overset for
sport. The child sunk, and the mother, diving to
the bottom, brought it up alive ; but it died soon
after, and they concluded its death was caused by
this conduct of the sailors. Squando resented the
insult very highly, and exerted himself to provoke
the Indians to war against the English. Portsmouth
was subject to constant alarms ; business was sus-
pended, and every one was obliged to provide for
the safety of himself and family. The inhabit-
ants generally left their habitations, and collected
together in some house, suitable for a garrison^
8
58 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
where they kept guard continually, to prevent
being surprised by the enemy. The neighbouring
towns were greater sufferers than Portsmouth. A
party of Indians, about the last of October, came
down the river, killing and plundering every per-
son they found off their guard, till they came oppo-
site to this place, when some cannon being fired at
them, they retreated precipitately and fled to the
swamps.
Whilst these difficulties and distresses were pre-
vailing, the inhabitants were alarmed with the ex-
pectation of new troubles and embarrassments, in
consequence of some proceedings then taking place
in England. Robert Mason had again renewed his
claim to New-Hampshire, and petitioned the King
to be reinstated in his property there. The King
submitted the question to Sir William Jones, his
Attorney-General, and to Sir Francis Winnington^
his Solicitor-General, who reported, " That John
Mason, Esquire, grandfather to the petitioner, by
virtue of several grants from the Council of New-
England, under their common seal, was instated in
fee in sundry great tracts of land in New-England,
by the name of New-Hampshire, and that the peti-
tioner, being heir at law to the said John, had a
good and legal title to said land.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 59
1676.
In consequence of the opinion of the Attorney
and Solicitor-General upon Mason's petition, the
lords of trade and plantations, sent Edward Ran-
dolph, a relation of Mason, to New-England, to
examine into the state of affairs there. After hav-
ing delivered to the government of Massachusetts, a
citation to send over agents to answer to Mason's
complaint, he came to Portsmouth in July, and pub-
lished the letter from Mason to the inhabitants,
claiming the territory of New-Hampshire as his
property. This letter excited great alarm among
the people, and on the 1st of September they held a
town meeting, at which they appointed John Cutt
and Richard Martyn, Esquires, and Captains Daniel
and Stileman, to draft a petition to the King for a
redress of their grievances. They stated, that they
had bona fide purchased their lands of the Indians,
had brought them from a state of nature, under cul-
tivation, at a great expence, and prayed for relief
against Mason's claim. Which petition they for-
warded to the King.
The Penobscot tribe of Indians sent Mogg, one
of their chiefs, to the English settlement with
proposals of peace. He came to Portsmouth and
brought with him two men. Fryer and Kendall, who
belonged to this town, and had been taken on board
a vessel at the eastward. Mogg was sent to Boston,
where articles of peace were agreed upon and sign-
60 ANNALS OF PORTSIMOUTH.
ed the sixth of November, by the Governor and
magistrates on the one part, and Mogg on tlie oth-
er : and the peace was afterward ratified by the
sachem, Madokawando.
1677.
This peace was of short duration, and several of
the Narraganset Indians being found among the
eastern tribes, it was suspected that their design
was to renew the war and ruin the fishery. In
addition to this, Mogg, who was a hostage for the
performance of the articles of the treaty on the part
of the Indians, being permitted to go to some neigh-
bouring tribes to persuade them to deliver up their
captives, did not return again, although he had en-
gaged to be back in three days. Some gentlemen
in Portsmouth represented to the government at
Boston the danger to which they were exposed, and
they sent off a party of two hundred m'en, under
command of Major Waldron, to protect the eastern
settlements. This detachment sailed the beginning
of February, touched at several ports, and had seve-
ral slight skirmishes with the Indians. The Major
proceeded as far as Kennebeck, where he built a
fort and left forty men to defend it, under command
of Captain Sylvanus Davis, and returned to Boston
the 11th of March, without losing a man, having in
this expedition killed thirteen of the enemy. The
fort at Kennebeck did not answer a very valuable
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 61
purpose, a number of the garrison had been surpris-
ed and taken or killed, and the remainder of them
were brought to Portsmouth. The inhabitants were
at this time in continual alarm from the enemy, who
were scattered through the outskirts of the town.
On the sixteenth of April, they burned the house of
John Kennison, at Greenland, and killed him. A
young woman was captured at Rawlings' house, but
she made her escape and came to Cocheco. On Sun-
day morning, the 27th of May, a party of twenty, con-
ducted by Simon, one of the western Indians, who
had been confined in Dover the last year, but broke
gaol and escaped, surprised six of the friendly In-
dians, whom they found drunk in the woods, a small
distance from the town ; they continued round the
town till night, and then crossed the river at Long-
Reach, and proceeded through Kittery towards
Wells. The Indians continued their depredations
through the summer without meeting much opposi-
tion, and had an opportunity of gratifying their
revenge upon the eastern settlements, which were
greatly reduced by the war.
The government of Massachusetts appointed Wil-
liam Stoughton, who was afterwards Lieutenant
Governor, and Peter Bulkley, then speaker of the
house of deputies, agents to oppose the claim of
Mason, and defend against his complaint. On their
arrival in England, the Chief Justices of the King's
Bench and Common Pleas, with a committee of the
Privy Council, were appointed to hear the parties.
^% ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The agents in behalf of the Colony disclaimed all
title to lands claimed by Mason, and to the jurisdic-
tion of the territory lying three miles northward of
the river Merrimack, to follow the course of the
river so far as that extended. The Chief Justices
and Lords reported, that as to the right of soil
claimed by Mason, they could not determine ; the
ter-tenants not having been summoned, the pro-
per parties were not before them : and that Mason'
had not the right of government over the territory
he claimed, and that the four towns of Portsmouth,
Dover, Exeter, and Hampton, were not within the
bounds of Massachusetts. Which report was ac-
cepted and confirmed by the King in Council, the
20th of July ; " and all parties were ordered to
acquiesce therein and contribute what lies in them,
to the punctual and due performance of the said
report as there shall be occasion."
1678.
Although the Indians had been successful the last
campaign, they were willing this spring to make
peace. Major Shapleigh, of Kittery, Captain Cham-
pernoon and Mr. Fryer, of Portsmouth, were ap-
pointed commissioners to agree with Squando, and
the other chiefs, upon the terms on which it should
be established. They met at Casco for the purpose,
and the treaty was signed on the twelfth of April,
in which it was stipulated, that the settlers might
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 63
return to their habitations and occupy them without
molestation, on condition that they should annually
pay the Indians one peck of corn for each family,
and one bushel for Major Pendleton, who possessed
a large estate. However humiliating it might
appear, to be obliged to pay this tribute, it was
thought better to submit to it, than to leave their
settlements, which it was in the power of the In-
dians to compel them to do. This treaty put an
end to a distressing war, which had existed three
years, and had greatly reduced the number of the
inhabitants ; and all the captives, which remained in
the custody of the Indians, were restored to their
friends.
1679.
Randolph returned to England after a short resi-
dence in this country, and confirmed the several
articles of Mason's complaint against the govern-
ment of Massachusetts, with many exaggerations.
Whereupon it was determined by the King, in
Council, to erect New-Hampshire into a separate
government under the jurisdiction of a President
and Council to be appointed by the King. Accord-
ingly, on the I8th of September, a commission pas-
sed the great seal appointing John Cutt of Ports-
mouth, President, to continue in office one year, or
until another should be appointed to succeed him.
Richard Martyn, William Vaughan, and Thomas
64 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Daniel, of Portsmouth, John Oilman of Exeter,
Christopher Hussey of Hampton, and Richard Wal-
dron of Dover, were to be of the Council, with pow-
er to elect three others to be added to their number.
The President had authority to appoint one of the
Council his deputy, to preside in his absence. The
President, or his deputy, and five counsellors, to be
a quorum. The President and Council were con-
stituted a court of judicature, with civil and crimin-
al jurisdiction, reserving in certain cases a right of
appeal to the King ; they were to appoint civil and
military officers, to issue writs for calling an assem-
bly, who with them were empowered to enact laws
subject to a revision by the King ; on the death of
the President, his deputy to succeed him ; and
when a Counsellor shall die, the remainder to elect
another, and send over his name with the name of
two other suitable persons, that the King might ap-
point one of the three.
The King engaged to continue the privilege of an
assembly, unless from the inconvenience attending
it, he should see cause to alter. This was the only
charter ever granted to New-Hampshire.
1680.
This commission was received at Portsmouth the
first of January, and the several persons therein ap-
pointed were qualified, by taking the oaths, on the
22d of the same month. They elected three per-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 65
sons to fill the Council, agreeably to the direction in
the commission, namely, Elias Stileman of Great-
Island, which was then a part of this town, Samuel
Dalton of Hampton, and Job Clements of Dover.
The President nominated Richard Waldron for his
deputy. Martyn was appointed Treasurer, and
Stileman Secretary. The President and Council
issued writs to the four towns of Portsmouth, Dover,
Hampton, and Exeter, designating the qualified vo-
ters in each by name, requiring them to choose suita-
ble persons to represent them in the General Assem-
bly, and each voter was obliged to take the oath of
allegiance. Portsmouth at this time had 71 voters,
Dover 61, Hampton 57, and Exeter 20. Each town
sent three representatives, except Exeter, which sent
only two. The representatives of Portsmouth were
Robert Elliot, Philip Lewis, and John Pickering.
*^ The Assembly met in this town on the 16th of
March and was opened with prayer, and a sermon,
by the Rev. Mr. Moody.'' One of the first ants of
the General Assembly was to address the following
letter " to the honourable Governor and Council of
the Massachusetts' Colony, to be communicated to
the General Court humbly present in Boston."
<^ Much Honoured — The late turn of Providence
made amongst us, by the all ordering Being, hath
given occasion for this present application,wherein we
crave leave, as we are in duty bound — -1st, Thank-
fully to acknowledge your care for us and kindness
while we dwelt under your shadow, owning our-
9
66 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
selves deeply obliged that you were pleased upon
our earnest request and supplication to take us un-
der your government, and ruled us well whilst we
so remained, so that we cannot give the least counte-
nance to those reflections that have been cast upon
you, as if you had dealt injuriously with us.
2dly. That no dissatisfaction with your govern-
ment, but merely our submission to Divine Provi-
dence, to his Majesty's commands, to whom we
owe allegiance, without any seeking of our own, or
desire of change was the only cause of our com-
plying with that present separation from you that
we are now under; but should have heartily re-
joiced if it had seemed good to the Lord and his
Majesty, to have settled us in the same capacity
as formerly. And withal we hold ourselves bound
to signify, that it is our most unfeigned desire
that such a mutual correspondence betwixt us
may be settled as may tend to the glory of God,
the honour of his Majesty, whose subjects we all
are, and the promoting of the common interest and
defence against the common enemy : that thereby
our hands be strengthened, being of ourselves weak
and few in number, and that if there be oppor-
tunity to be any wise serviceable unto you, we may
shew how ready we are, thankfully to embrace the
same. Thus wishing the presence of God to be
with you in all your administrations, and craving
the benefit of your prayers and endeavours for a
blessing upon the heads and hearts of us who are
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 67
separated from our brethren. We subscribe
John Cutt, President.
With consent of the Council and General As-
sembly."
From this it appears how very reluctantly they
consented ti the separation from Massachusetts, and
nothing could have induced the President or Coun-
cil to have accepted their appointment (which was
made without their knowledge) but his Majesty's ex-
press command, which they conscientiously thought
themselves obliged to obey. Their commission re-
quired " that all excuses set apart, they fail not to
assemble," and undertake the duties of their respec-
tive offices.
A court of inferior jurisdiction was established at
Portsmouth, Dover, and Hampton ; from each of
which an appeal lay to the President and Council,
who had original as well as appellate jurisdiction,
criminal and civil, and who tried their causes
through the intervention of a jury when either
party desired it.
Randolph had been appointed by the King col-
lector of the customs for New-England. On the
22d of March he seized a vessel belonging to this
place, under pretence of a breach of the acts of
trade and navigation. The master, Mark Hunking,
brought an action against him, before the President
and Council, and recovered judgment for thirteen
pounds damage and cost. Randolph appointed Cap-
tain Walter Barefoote deputy collector, for this
68 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
port, who advertized " that all vessels should be
entered and cleared with him." For attempting
to execute an office, not derived from the constitut-
ed authorities of the province, he was indicted on
the 24th of March before the President and Council,
and found guilty, and sentenced to pay a fine of ten
pounds, and stand committed till sentence was per-
formed.
Robert Mason, who claimed the territory of New-
Hampshire, arrived from England on the 30th of
December, with a writ of mandamus from the King
commanding the President and Council to admit
him one of the Council.
Richard Chamberlayne was appointed by royal
authority secretary of the Province in the place of
Elias Stileman.
<' Taxes were commonly paid in lumber or pro-
visions at stated prices, and whoever paid them in
money was abated one third part.
The prices for this year were as follows :
Merchantable white pine boards 30*. per M,
White oak pipe staves 3/. per M.
Red oak ditto 30s. per M.
Red oak hhd. staves 25*. per M.
Indian corn 3*. per bushel.
Wheat 5s. per bushel.
Malt 4s. per bushel.
Silver was rated at 6*. 8^/. per oz."
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 69
1681.
Before the change of the government, the King
had required Mason to relinquish all demands he
might have for rents, against the inhabitants of
New-Hampshire prior to the 24th of June 1679,
and made him engage not to molest any of them in
their possessions, provided they would pay him six-
pence in the pound, according to the just and true
yearly value of the houses and lands possessed by
them. On his arrival here he took his seat at the
Council-board, and assumed the title of Lord Pro-
prietor. He made great exertions through his
agents, to obtain leases of the inhabitants upon
the stipulated terms, but without much success.
His failure irritated him, and he threatened to sell
their houses and lands for the rents. This excited
a great clamour against him, and the people appli-
ed for protection to the President and Council, who
issued a writ of prohibition against him. Mason
refused to meet the Council when summoned, mutu-
al recriminations passed between them, and being
quite dissatisfied with the reception he met with,
and disappointed in his hopes of establishing his
fortune, he returned to England on the 27th day of
March.
President Cutt, being considerably advanced in
years, and very infirm, died on the 5th of April.
He was a native of Wales, and with his brothers,
Robert and Richard, came to this country previous
70 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
to the year 1646. John settled in this town, and
became a very respectable and opulent merchant.
Richard settled at the Isle-of- Shoals and carried on
the fisheries there. He afterwards removed to this
place, and lived in the Great House at the bottom
of Pitt Street. Robert went first to the Island of
Barbadoes in the West-Indies, and after a short re-
sidence there, he came to this town, and lived at
Great-Island. He afterwards removed to Kittery
where he established a ship-yard, and carried on the
business of ship-building very extensively. During
the life of President Cutt, the inhabitants of this
town were chiefly settled at tlie South End near the
Point of Graves. The upper part, which was the*
Bcmkf was principally owned by him, his brother
Richard, Major William Yauglian, and Richard
Waldron, jr. who were the first persons in the
province, both in point of wealth and family con-
nexions. This large space of ground, which is now
so thickly inhabited, contained then but ten or
twelve dwelling houses, and about as many ware-
houses, which belonged to the above gentlemen.
President Cutt in his last will, made a short time
before his decease, says, " I commit my body unto
a decent burial in my orchard, where I buried my
wife and children that are deceased." This spot has
been inclosed and kept as a family burying ground
by some of his descendants, and is now thickly sur-
rounded by buildings.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 71
President Ciitt was esteemed by all who knew
him. He had been much engaged in public busi-
ness, and had filled some of the most important offi-
ces under the government of Massachusetts, before
he was appointed President of New-Hampshire.
As he had been active and useful in life, his death
was universally lamented.
Major Richard Waldron succeeded Mr. Cutt as
President, and appointed Elias Stileman his deputy.
1682.
Walter Barefoote, as deputy collector of this port
under Randolph, seized a vessel here on the 10th
of March, for a pretended violation of the laws of
trade ; for which offence, namely, attempting to
execute an office, without authority derived from
the government of the Province, he and his assist-
ants, William Haskins and Thomas Thurton were
prosecuted. Barefoote pleaded his deputation from
Randolph, as his justification, notwithstanding which,
he and his assistants were convicted. Barefoote was
sentenced to pay a fine of twenty pounds, and his
assistants five pounds each, which were not to be
exacted during their good behaviour. An appeal
was claimed from this sentence to the King, but was
never prosecuted.
After Mason's return to England, he solicited the
King for a change of government, in hopes of pro-
curing one more favourable to his views as proprie-
72 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
tor of the province ; and to induce the King to
comply with his wishes he conveyed to him, by
deed, one fifth part of the quit rents, which had or
should become due ; which, with the fines and forfeit-
ures, were appropriated to the support of govern-
ment. On the 9th of May Edward Cranfield was
appointed Lieutenant Governor and Commander in
Chief of New-Hampshire. And Mason mortgaged
the whole province to him, for the term of twenty-
one years, as security for the payment of one hun-
dred fifty pounds yearly, for seven years. Mason
with seven others of the former counsellors, were
reappointed, and Walter Barefoote and Richard
Chamberlayne were added. Cranfield accepted his
appointment ; he arrived at Portsmouth and pub-
lished his commission on the fourth of October. He
caused an assembly to be summoned, which met on
the fourteenth of November.
1683.
The Governor dismissed Captain Elias Stileman
from his command of the fort, a station which he
had held for several years to the general acceptance
of the inhabitants, and the approbation of the mem-
bers of the former administration. The ostensible
reason for his removal, was his sufl*ering a vessel
which had been seized, to pass out of the harbour.
If this had been a fact, he should have been arrest-
ed, tried and punished. But as the Governor re-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 73
moved him from the Council about the same time,
it was suspected that he was influenced by other
motives. Barefoote was appointed to the command
of the fort.
At a session of the General Assembly, held in the
month of January, a misunderstanding took place
between the Governor and Representative?, who had
refused to pass a bill to raise money for the sup-
port of government. The governor dissolved them.
This was an exercise of power hitherto unknown in
this country, and it excited much jealousy among
the people. They were apprehensive that he in-
tended to take the government into his own hands ;
or make continual changes in the Council and House
of Representatives, till he had secured a majority of
both houses, who would be subservient to his wish-
es. His interest was strongly connected with Ma-
son's, as he depended on him for a considerable part
of his salary. He was desirous of establishing Ma-
son's claim, and that the inhabitants should take
leases under him, subject to a quit rent. The
Governor accordingly on the fourteenth day of Feb-
ruary, publicly " called on the inhabitants to take
their leases from Mason within one month, other-
wise he must certify their refusal to the King, that
Mason might be discharged from his obligation to
grant them."
There were but few who complied with this re-
quisition. The landholders in general said that
they had purchased their land from the Indians, the
10
74 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
original proprietors of the soil, who alone could
have any title to it ; that they had at great expense
brought it from a state of nature under cultivation ;
had erected buildings for the accommodation of
themselves and families, had defended them against
a savage enemy, with whom they had been kept in
a continual state of warfare ; and that no person
whatever could have a legal or equitable right to
dispossess them. There being no prospect of any
agreement between the parties, the courts were or-
ganized principally with a reference to a decision of
these questions. The Council had appellate juris-
diction ; most of the old members were removed,
and others appointed by the Governor in their
stead. Barefoote was made a Judge, Mason Chan-
cellor, Chamberlayne Clerk and Prothonotary, Ran-
dolph, Attorney-General, and Sherlock, Provost,
Marshall and Sheriff. Matters being thus arranged,
Mason commenced a number of actions against the
principal inhabitants of the several towns ; and those
persons who had accepted leases from Mason were
selected for jurymen and witnesses. No defence
was made to these actions, and judgment was uni-
formly rendered in favour of the plaintiff. Major
William Vaughan of this town, who was one of the
defendants, had the resolution to appeal to the King
in Council, but the judgment against him was there
affirmed. Mason was put in possession of the es-
tates he had recovered by due course of law, but so
strong was the popular prejudice against him, he
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 75
could neither keep the possession, nor sell them ;
and their former owners after a short interruption
continued to occupy them. Martyn, who had been
treasurer under the former administration, was
called upon for the fines and forfeitures he had re-
ceived in his official capacity. His defence was,
that he had paid out all the monies he had in his
hands, by order of the President and Council, as he
was in duty bound to do. Notwithstanding which,
judgment was rendered against him for seventy- one
pounds and cost. And by a decree of the Court of
Chancery, the members of the late Council were or-
dered to pay their proportion of, said judgment.
^^ This decree was afterwards reversed by the King
in Council."
The government became extremely oppressive to
the people ; and they determined to petition the
King for redress of grievances. They accordingly
drew up remonstrances, which were signed by the
inhabitants of the several towns. They elected
Nathaniel Weare, of Hampton, their agent for the
purpose of presenting their petitions and enforcing
them before the King in Council, and raised money
by subscription to defray the expense. This busi-
ness was conducted as privately as possible, lest
the Governor should take some measures to frustrate
their designs. Weare went to Boston and took pas-
sage from thence for England.
On the 10th of December the Governor and Coun-
cil passed an order, which was published; requiring
76 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
and commanding " that all and singular the respec-
tive ministers within this province for the time be-
ing do, from and after the first day of January next
ensuing, admit all persons, that are of suitable years,
and not vicious and scandalous in their lives, unto
the blessed sacrament of the Lord's supper, and
their children unto baptism. And if any person
shall desire to receive the sacrament of the Lord's
supper, or their children to be baptized according
to the liturgy of the church of England, that it be
done accordingly in pursuance of the laws of the
realm of England, and his Majesty's command to the
Massachusetts' government. And if any minister
shall refuse so to do, being thereto duly required,
he shall incur the penalty of the statutes in that case
made and provided, and the inhabitants are freed
from paying any duties to the said minister." For
what purpose this order was made it is difficult to
apprehend. There were not at this time any min-
isters in the province, who were episcopally ordain-
ed ; and no others were authorized by law to offici-
ate in the church.
Under pretence of preventing disturbances by
unlawful assemblies and meetings to the terror of
his Majesty's subjects, Cranfield issued an order
" forbidding the trustees or overseers of the several
and respective towns or others to call any public
meeting about any town business, or any other pre-
tence whatever, without leave first obtained from
the Justices of the Peace of said town, upon just
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. • 77
representation of the necessariness of such town or
public meeting, upon such penalty as the law directs
to be inflicted upon unlawful assemblies;" which
order was directed to the constable of Portsmouth
to be published.
1684.
Cranfield was greatly disappointed in all his
schemes of enriching himself by his office. The
fines and forfeitures did not amount to much — and
he could obtain nothing from Mason, nor realize any
thing from his mortgage. And although he could
expect no favour from an assembly on account of
any personal attachment to himself, he determined
to call one, and attempt to raise money by their
means under pretence of its being necessary to put
the province in a proper state of defence, and to
guard it against invasion in case of a war, of which a
vague rumour had been spread. The General Court
met at Great- Island, where the Governor resided,
on the 14th day of January. The Representatives
from this town were Richard Waldron, jun. who
was chosen Speaker, Philip Lewis, and John Picker-
ing. The Governor had prepared a bill for raising
money for the defence of the province and other
necessary charges of government ; which was passed
by the Council, and sent to the other house for their
concurrence. They debated upon it sometime, and
adjourned to the morning ; when they negatived it,
78 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
and in that state returned it to the Governor ; who
was greatly enraged at this proceeding, and imme-
diately dissolved them.
Major Vaughan had accompanied Mr. Weare to
Boston, and undertook to procure affidavits on his
return to support the petitions, which had been for-
warded to the King. But Cranfield, having some
suspicion of his design, caused him to be appre-
hended immediately on his arrival in this town, and
brought before him for examination. He enquired
of Vaughan for what purpose he went to Boston,
and what affidavits he desired to have taken.
Vaughan replied that he went on his own business,
and the affidavits related to his cause with Mason.
The Governor treated him with opprobrious lan-
guage, and required him to give bonds for his good
behaviour ; but Vaughan refused, declaring that as
he had broken no law, he would not find sureties for
his good behaviour. Whereupon Cranfield ordered
him to be committed to gaol, and signed his mitti-
mus with his own hand, the 6th day of February.
Vaughan continued imprisoned about nine months.
A small vessel belonging to George Janvrin had
been seized by the collector of the port, for a
breach of some of the laws of trade. A num-
ber of persons took forcible possession of her by
night, and carried her out of the harbour. A
prosecution was instituted on account of it, and
upon the trial the owner swore, that she had been
carried off without his knowledge. Strong suspi-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 79
cions arose that he had sworn falsely ; however
he settled the matter with Cranfield and Randolph,
and all legal proceedings were stopped. But as Mr.
Janvrin was a member of Mr. Moody's church, it
was thought necessary for the honour of the church,
that enquiry should be made respecting the matter.
Mr. Moody applied to the Governor for evidence
against the offender ; but Cranfield informed him
that the action had been settled to his satisfaction,
and forbade Mr. Moody's instituting any enquiry
respecting it before the church. Notwithstanding
which, Mr. Moody preached a sermon upon the evil
of false swearing; several church-meetings were held
upon the occasion ; the person suspected was brought
before them, and charged with the crime, which he
at length acknowledged and made a public confes-
sion of it. Cranfield was extremely irritated against
Mr. Moody for his conduct in this affair, and deter-
mined to prosecute him for not conforming to the
modes of worship, prescribed in the book of common
prayer, and administering the sacraments, as requir-
ed by the English statutes of uniformity. In pur-
suance of which design Cranfield sent Moody a
written notice by the hands of the sheriff on the 5th
day of February, that on the next Sunday, he, with
Mason and Hinkes, intended to partake of the Lord's
supper ; requiring him to administer the same ac-
cording to the liturgy of the church of England.
Moody refused to comply with this order. In
consequence of which Joseph Rayn, the King's
80 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Attorney, by direction of Cranfield, filed an in-
formation against Moody before the Court of Ses-
sions, " for refusing to administer the sacrament of
the Lord's supper according to the manner and
form set forth in the book of common prayer ; and
for obstinately and wilfully using some other form,
than is ordained by law." Moody was arraigned
upon the information, and stated in his defence, that
the statutes of uniformity were not in force in this
country ; and as he was not episcopally ordained,
he was not such a mini'ster, as those statutes contem-
plated. He was however convicted, and sentenced
to be imprisoned six months without bail or main-
prize ; and on the 6th of February was committed
to gaol at Great-Island. His mittimus was under
the hands and seals of Walter Barefoote. Peter Cof-
fin, Henry Green, and Henry Robie. Two of the
Justices of the Court, namely, Nathaniel Fryer and
Thomas Edgerly, did not assent to his conviction,
and were soon afterwards removed from office.
Moody was kept in confinement in the house of
Captain Elias Stileman (which was occupied as a
gaol) thirteen weeks, having been indulged with the
liberty of the yard ; at the expiration of that time he
was released, through the solicitation of his friends ;
but with an injunction not to preach again in the
province on penalty of farther imprisonment. He
removed to Boston, and preached there several
years.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 81
Cranfield having found that he could not supply
himself with money through the intervention of an
assembly, undertook to raise it on his own authority
by virtue of a clause in his commission empowering
him with the Council in cases of emergency " to
continue such taxes as had been formerly levied
until a general assembly could be called."
To prepare the minds of the Council to assist him
in this business, reports were industriously circulat-
ed that the eastern Indians were preparing for war,
which would probably break out in the spring. A
great show of preparation was made ; every neces-
sary precaution was taken ; supplies of ammunition
and other warlike stores were ordered ; the alarm
was spread, and every method adopted to convince
the people of the Governor's anxiety to provide for
their safety.
The Council met on the 14th of February, hav-
ing stated the dangers to which the province was
exposed, and the necessity of being prepared to
meet them, they passed an order for continuing " all
such taxes and impositions as have been formerly
laid upon the inhabitants, commanding and requir-
ing all and singular the constables and collectors
forthwith to perform their duty in levying and col-
lecting the same, and paying it into the treasury.''
Before this money could be collected, the Gov-
ernor received a letter from the Lords of Trade
directing him not to raise money from the people,
unless by grant of an assembly. This greatly embar-
11
82 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
rassed liiiM j it would expose him to censure, if he
proceeded contrary to his instructions, and he had
but little hopes of succeeding if he followed them.
He issued writs for the choice of Representatives,
and the Assembly met on the 27th day of May.
Finding it composed principally of pei-sons who
were members of the former Assembly, and with
whom he had had some personal altercations, he
thought it improbable that they would comply with
l»is request and vote to raise the money wanted.
He immediately dissolved them.
Not long after this the Governor was obliged to
call another Assembly. The West-Indies and South-
ern coasts of America were greatly infested with
pirates. The King had issued orders to the several
Governors and Colonial Assemblies directing them to
pass laws and adopt other necessary measures for the
suppression of piracy and robbery on the high seas.
In pursuance of these orders Cranfield issued his
warrants for calling an assembly, which met on the
22d day of July : and having passed the acts requir-
ed in the orders from the King, the Governor dis-
solved them without their acting upon any other
business. Various attempts were made to collect
the taxes according to the order of the Governor
and Council, but without success.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 83
1685.
The complaints which had been exhibited against
Cranfield were referred to a committee of the Lords
of Trade and Plantations, who heard the parties and
made their report to the King in Council, on the
27th day of March, " That Cranfield had not pur-
sued his instructions with respect to Mason's claims
in the province, but that he had caused courts to be
held, and permitted titles of land to be decided, and
unreasonable costs to be allowed, without first rep-
resenting the particular cases to your Majesty.
That his determining the price and value of coins
was an assumption of power, and an encroachment
upon the royal prerogative." Which report was ap-
proved by the King on the 8th day of April, and
signified to Cranfield by the Lords of Trade by
command of the King. Vaughan had likewise a
right of appeal allowed him in all his actions, pro-
vided he claimed the same within a fortnight, which
he accordingly did.
During these proceedings in England, Cranfield,
through his agent, obtained leave of absence from
the province, and as soon as he received information
of the decree against him, he embarked privately
for Jamaica, whence he took passage for England,
and never returned again to New-Hampshire.
Cranfield had accepted the government with an
expectation of accumulating a large estate ; and he
used very unjustifiable means to effect his purpose.
84 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
But he was greatly disappointed. His temper,
naturally irritable, was easily excited by opposition ;
the arbitrary manner in which he exercised his au-
thority, had a tendency to render him unpopular^
and he was continually engaged in altercations with
the people. He indulged his vindictive disposition
in seeking revenge whenever an opportunity offer-
ed. On his arrival in England he was appointed
Collector of Barbadoes, and in the execution of that
office, he was particularly attentive and civil to eve-
ry person he met there belonging to this place.
After Cranfield left the government the adminis-
tration devolved on Barefoote, who was deputy
Governor or President of the Council.
1686.
Mason had not yet succeeded in retaining posses-
sion of any of the cultivated lands, but he still ex-
pected to substantiate his claim to the unimproved
part of the province. Jonathan Tyng, with several
other persons, purchased of the Indians a tract of
land six miles wide, lying on both sides the Merri-
mack river, extending from Souhegan river to Win-
nipiseogee lake. To complete their title they ob-
tained from Mason, on the 16th of April, a deed
confirming the grant, in which he reserved an
annual rent of ten shillings. ^^ This was called the
million acre purchase," but none of the lands, in-
cluded in it are now held under this grant. On the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 85
15 th of May, Mason farmed out to Hezekiah
Usher all the ores and minerals within the prov-
ince, reserving one quarter' part of the royal ores,
and one seventeenth part of the baser kinds. But
Usher derived no advantage from this grant. No
ore excepting iron has been discovered in New-
Hampshire, and wherever that has been found, the
owners of the soil have always claimed the exclusive
right to it.
Notwithstanding the directions to Cranfield from
the Lords of Trade, that all proceedings in law
relating to Mason's title should cease until the de-
cision of Vaughan's appeal, Mason made another
attempt with Barefoote's assistance to carry the
judgments he had recovered into execution, but
without success ; it produced some personal ren-
counters with the inhabitants, in which he was
treated with great severity and without much re-
spect.
In the course of the spring he again embarked for
' England, to attend the trial of his actions against
Vaughan, which were then pending before the
Lords of Trade. Barefoote's administration was
very short. He was superseded by Joseph Dudley,
who was appointed President of New-England,
which included the government of Massachusetts,
New-Hampshire, Maine, and Narrhagansett, called
likewise King's Province. This form of government
went into operation on the 25th day of May. Rob-
ert Mason and John Hiukes, both of this place^
86 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
were of the Council. After Mr. Moody's removal,
the town had been destitute of a constant supply in
the ministry, but had only occasional preaching as
opportunities offered. On the 14th of June they
sent Captain John Pickering and Mr. Samuel Keais
to inform him that, ^^ considering his former obliga-
tion to the town and the towns to him, the cause of
his removal being taken away, the town doth desire
and expect his return, on the terms he formerly was
settled for his future maintenance." Mr. Moody's
answer was not explicit, and on the 29th of October
they contracted with the Rev. Gilbert Laurie, who
had been preaching here, to continue with them six
months longer, for which they agreed to " pay him
thirty-six pounds, and the expense of removing from
Boston, and to provide convenient house-room for
himself and family during said time."
A hearing was had on Vaughan's appeal before a
committee of the Lords of Trade and Plantations,
who made their report in Mason's favour ; and on
the 19lh of November the King was pleased to
^•approve of their Lordships' opinion and report,
and to order the said verdict and judgment given in
his Majesty's Courts in New-Hampshire, in New-
England, at the suit of Robert Mason, Esq. as
proprietor of that province, for certain lands and
tenements in Portsmouth, in said province be rati-
fied and affirmed, and they are hereby ratified and
affirmed accordingly." It had long been the inten-
tion of the King to unite all the Colonial govern-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 87
ments ia this country under one Governor- General.
The design was to introduce the alteration so grad-
ually as not to excite any alarm, and the appoint-
ment of Mr. Dudley was considered as one step
towards it.
On the 30th of December Sir Edmund Andross,
who had been Governor of New- York, arrived with
a commission appointing him Captain-General and
Governor in Chief of New-England. The Govern-
or and Council were invested with full powers to
make laws, impose taxes, and appropriate the money
as they should think necessary. The Council was
numerous ; seven were necessary to form a board,
five of whom made a quorum ; and the Governor
generally selected such, as were most subservient to
his wishes.
1687.
After the decision of Mason's actions against
Vaughan, he returned again to this town, with an
intention to have his executions levied according to
law. He had however to encounter difficulties,
which he had not anticipated. The new govern-
ment viewed with a jealous eye the extensive claim
of Mason, and was desirous of dividing the territory
amongst themselves. The Courts refused to issue
executions on the judgments he had formerly re-
covered ; and as the Governor and Council were
authorized to grant lands, on such terms, and sub-
S8 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ject to such quit rents, as should be appointed by
the King ; it was held that Mason's leases were not
valid. Every new difficulty confirmed the people
in their opinion that his title was defective ; and
served to increase their opposition to him.
1688.
After a long contest with the Courts in New-
Hampshire, Mason found that he could not obtain
his writs of possession and executions on the judg-
ments he had recovered : he therefore applied to
Dudley, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,
whose jurisdiction extended over the whole territo-
ry, for a writ of certiorari to remove those actions
into that Court. The Chief Justice granted the
writ, which issued on the 18th of July, directed to
the Judges of New-Hampshire, returnable before
the Supreme Court at Boston. But Mason^s death
put a stop to all further proceedings. He was sum-
moned to attend the Governor as one of his Council,
and on his journey from New- York to Albany he
died at Esopus, in the 59th year of his age. He
left two sons, John and Robert.
1689.
The spirit of the revolution, which introduced
the Prince of Orange into England, extended to this
country. The people harrassed and fatigued with
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 89
continual changes and impositions, rejoiced at an
opportunity of freeing themselves from a govern-
ment, which had been so extremely oppressive to
them. Andross had returned to Boston a zealous sup-
porter of King James, and he treated with severity
all, who were attached to the other party. Reports
were circulated that he intended to introduce Pope-
ry, and that his guards would massacre those, who
opposed him. These reports, however unfounded,
excited great alarm j the inhabitants rose in arms,
seized the Governor and his principal adlierents,
and committed them to prison, and afterwards sent
them to England, as state-prisoners, to abide the
orders of the King. In this unsettled state of affairs
it was proposed to call a convention to advise in
what manner to proceed, and to agree upon some
form of government. Major William Vaughan,
Richard Waldron, Nathaniel Fryer, Robert Elliot,
Thomas Corbett and Captain John , Pickering were
chosen deputies from this town.
Besides these perplexities and distresses, the peo-
ple had to encounter others of a different kind.
The Indians had for some time been troublesome,
and made depredations on those settlements, which
were most exposed. This year the war broke out
with great fury. The massacre at Major Waldron's,
and some other garrison-houses at Dover, took place
with circumstances of unparalleled cruelties ; but
this town escaped. Finding it necessary to make
some exertions to cheek the savages, scouting par-
12
90 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ties were sent out from several towns. One from
this place under Captain Wincol marched to Win-
nipiseogee lake, where they killed one or two
Indians and destroyed their corn.
Captain John Pickering, an influential man in the
town, went with a company of armed men to the
house of Chamberlayne, the late Secretary of the
province and Clerk of the Superior Court, and de-
manded the records and files, which were in his
possession. Chamberlayne refused to deliver them
without orders from some proper authority or in-
demnity. Pickering took them by force and carried
them to the house of Major Joseph Hammond in
Kittery, where he concealed them.
1690.
The Convention recommended a reunion with
Massachusetts, until the King's pleasure should be
known. Application was made to that government
and readily agreed to ; the union took place on the
12th of March. Mr. Richard Waldron and Captain
John Pickering were elected and sent Representa-
tives to the General Court.
The town << voted that Mr. William Vaughan,
Mr. Richard Martyn, and Mr. Nathaniel Fryer,
who were formerly chosen by this town and con-
firmed as Magistrates by the Governor and Council
of Massachusetts' Bay, be the persons that are to at-
tend that work according to their oaths taken.'*'
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 91
The Indians continued the war with unabated
zeal. They made an attack on Fox Point where
they burned several houses, killed fourteen people
and carried away six captives. The settlements on
the frontiers suffered most. Forty persons were
killed in one week between Lamprey river and
Amesbury. On the 29th of November the In-
dians requested a cessation of hostilities ; they
brought in ten captives and agreed upon a truce
until the 1st of the next May.
The Faulkland, a fifty-four gun ship, was built
here by order of the British government.
1691.
The town at a general meeting held the SOtJi of
March, voted to give the Rev. John Cotton (son of
Rev. Seaborn Cotton of Hampton) a call to settle
here in the ministry, and offered him eighty pounds
per year.
Mr. Moody having seen the foregoing vote, wrote
to the town on the 29th of May, informing them
that he would return, if it were their wish ; that
they had been hasty in giving the call to Mr. Cot-
ton, but whether he returned or not, he should do
every thing in his power to promote their welfare.
He had previously written to the church, stating
his willingness to return and renew his pastoral re-
lation with them if it were thought best, and pro-
posed that a council should be called to advise them
93 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
how to proceed. The selectmen did not think pro-
per to call a town-meeting to lay this letter before
them, but wrote Mr. Moody, that they had consult-
ed many individuals respecting it : that they did
not see the necessity of a council ; that his leaving
them destitute so many years, especially after their
repeated invitations to him to return, was evidence
of his intention of quitting them altogether ; and
that since the town had given a call to Mr. Cotton,
they were not at liberty to act, until they had re-
ceived his answer.
Mr. Cotton advised them to make another appli-
cation to Mr. Moody, and if he did not accept this
invitation, " they might honestly provide for them-
selves such person as they judge fittest to supply
the place of the ministry here.'' The town accord-
ingly voted on the 8th of October to send another
messenger to Mr. Moody and request his return,
and to inform him " that in consequence of his ab-
sence, part of the town had withdrawn and provided
themselves with a minister, and that they were not
able to maintain a minister as they had formerly
done. Notwithstanding which, they engage, pro-
vided he return forthwith, to pay him eighty pounds
a year, and let him have the use of the glebe and
parsonage house. But if he do not take up with
the above propositions, the church and town are
resolved to concern themselves no further with Mr.
Moody, but look upon ourselves clear from him and
he from us."
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 93
At the same meeting they confirmed their former
vote respecting Mr. Cotton, and empowered the
selectmen to renew their invitation to him ; *^ pro-
vided Mr. Moody did not come within a fortnight
from that time and remain here in supplying the
place of the ministry as formerly."
Mr. Moody thought the intervention of a council
of great importance, and was unwilling to return
without their advice. The town and church being
of a contrary opinion a council was not called, and
Mr. Moody concluded to remain at Boston. Mr.
Cotton came to this town and preached here three
months. He was afterward settled at Hampton, as
successor of his father.
The first planters of Massachusetts left their na-
tive country, for the sake of enjoying here a greater
degree of civil and religious liberty, than they were
indulged v/ith in England. The settlers of New-
Hampshire were influenced by very different mo-
tives. Captain Smith, in the account he published
of New-England, speaks highly of the importance
of the fisheries, and concludes his observations in
the following manner : '^ Therefore, honourable and
worthy countrymen, let not the meanness of the
word fish distaste you, for it will afford you as good
gold as the mines of Potosi and Guiana ; with less
hazard and charge, and more certainty and facility."
Many of the first settlers of New-Hampshire con-
firmed the truth of this remark. They diligently
94 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
pursued the business, which naturally introduced
other branches of commerce, and led to opulence.
A reverend divine, preaching against the deprav-
ity of the times said, '^^ you have forsaken the pious
habits of your forefathers, who left the ease and
comfort which they possessed in their native land,
and came to this howling wilderness to enjoy with-
out molestation the exercise of their pure principles
of religion.'' One of the congregation interrupted
him ; Sir, you entirely mistake the matter ; our
ancestors did not come here on account of their re-
ligion, but to fish and trade.
John Tufton Mason, having died without issue,
the title to the estate in New-Hampshire descended
and came to his brother, Robert Tufton Mason, who
suffered a fine and recovery in the Court of King's
Bench in England, for the purpose of docking the
entail ; and on the 27th day of April he sold his
title to the lands in New-Hampshire, to Samuel
Allen of London, merchant, for seven hundred and
fifty pounds.
Allen applied to the King to recognize his title,
and at the same time solicited the appointment of
Governor of the province. The inhabitants held
another convention by deputies, and petitioned the
King to be reannexed to Massachusetts ; but the
importunity and influence of Allen, prevented the
union.
" A party of Indians came from the Eastward in
canoes to Sandy-Beach, where they killed and cap-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 95
tured twenty-one persons ; Captain Sherburne of
this place, a worthy officer, was killed by them at
the Eastward."
1692.
Oti the 25th of January the town of York was
destroyed. Most of the houses were unguarded,
and were surrounded by the Indians, who fired
a gun as a signal, upon which the inhabitants ran
to their doors, and about fifty of them were kill-
ed on the spot, and nearly an hundred captured.
The minister, Shubael Dummer, who was greatly
esteemed, was shot dead as he was mounting his
horse at his door, and his wife and family were made
prisoners. They set fire to the houses, four fortified
houses only holding out against them. A party of
men were sent from this town to their assistance,
but arrived too late to afford relief or retake the
captives.
Whether Mr. Moody made any further overtures
to the town is uncertain ; but they relaxed from
their determination to have no further connexion
with him. On the 18th of January they voted,
'^ That whereas our Reverend Pastor, Mr. Joshua
Moody, was for a long time agon driven from us,
and the troublesomeness of the times having hither-
to hindered his return, the town doth now invite
him to return and supply his place as formerly ; and
oh that condition; the town doth engage to make
96 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
good his salary in every respect as formerly, so long
as said Mr. Moody doth supply the place of the
ministry here."
Notwithstanding the application of the inhabi-
tants to be united with Massachusetts, New-Hamp-
shire was established as a separate government, and
Allen obtained the appointment of Governor. His
commission was dated the 1st of March, and his
son-in-law, John Usher, was appointed Lieutenant
Governor, with full power to execute the office in
the Governor's absence; for which services Allen,
promised to pay him 250/. per year. Usher was
peculiarly disagreeable to the people, not only on
account of his connexion with Allen, but because he
had been an active agent under Andross in carrying
the arbitrary measures he had adopted into effect.
Usher arrived here and published his commission
on the 13th day of August. He immediately un-
dertook the administration of the government much
against the wishes of the people. One of his first acts
was an attempt to obtain possession of the papers re-
lating to Mason's suits. He ordered Pickering to be
brought before him, and demanded the record and
files, which he had forcibly taken from Chamber-
layne. Pickering refused to deliver them, or give
information where they were, unless to the Assem-
bly or to some person authorized by them to receive
them ; upon which the Lieutenant Governor or-
dered him to be imprisoned. After having been
detained in prison some time he submitted, and
delivered them to the Secretary by Usher's order.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 97
The small-pox made its appearance this year ; it
svas communicated from cotton, imported from the
^Vest-Indies. But few persons were acquainted
kvith the disorder, and as none knew the proper
method of treating it, a great mortality ensued.
A.lmost every person, who was attacked with it, fell
i victim to the fatal disease.
At a General Assembly held at Portsmouth on the
jecond Tuesday of October, several of the represen-
tatives refused to take the oa^hs, appointed by act
)f Parliament, instead of the oaths of allegiance and
supremacy according to the custom of England, by
wearing upon the Bible. The Council ^^ ordered
:hat the oaths be administered to such of the Assem-
bly, as have so refused, by lifting up of their hands,
considering the present troubles and circumstances
)f affairs." John Hinkes, Esq. one of the Council,
entered his dissent from the above said order, in
the manner of administering the oath, and being
me of the commissioners appointed in the dedimus
to administer the oaths, he refused to act. His
name was erased from the commission, and that of
Nathaniel Fryer was inserted in its stead.
Mr. Richard Martyn, Captain Elias Stileman, and
Captain John Pickering were the representatives of
this town. The Assembly made choice of Richard
Martyn for their speaker, and presented him to the
Lieutenant Governor^ who approved of the choice.
13
98 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1693.
The inhabitants of Great- Island, on the 10th of
March, petitioned the Lieutenant Governor and
Council to be made a township by themselves. It
was ordered that the selectmen of Portsmouth be
served with a copy of said petition, and that they
be notified to attend on Friday next, to shew cause
why the petition should not be granted, and like-
wise that they come prepared to shew how they
came to be a town, and what their rights and immu-
nities are.
The selectmen appeared before the Governor and
Council on the 17th day of March, and said, ^^ The
town has been reputed so — believe there may be a
grant constituting Portsmouth a town, but they
know not where it is. The bounds were laid out
by the Massachusetts, and as having enjoyed it ma-
ny years, pray it may still be continued as a town."
The Council determined that Great-Island should be
a township and divided from the Bank, provided it
is able to support itself. — On the question that San-
dy-Beach and Little-Harbour be added, yeas 3,
nays 3, and Peter Coffin yea if all parties consent.
The Lieutenant Governor then declared it should
be a town, and that he would make it so, separate
from the Bank.
On the 30th of May the grant to make Great-
Island a town was prepared and engrossed, and read,
in Council, none making any objection why the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 99
same should not be signed and sealed, save Major
Vaughan, who desired his dissent might be entered
against the passing the same, for that he thinks the
King's commission gives liberty to the Lieutenant
Governor to make towns, but not to divide towns ;
whereupon the Lieutenant Governor in Council sign-
ed and executed the same grant. The township
thus granted was called New-Castle.
.v^The beginning of this year the Rev. Mr. Moody
returned to this town and resumed his pastoral care
of the church and people here.
The Indians had not been so troublesome this
year, as formerly. Having lost several of their
leaders, they were desirous of some respite from the
fatigues of war. On the 11th of August they sent
to the officers of the fort at Pemaquid, proposals for
peace, which were accepted ; and they delivered
hostages for the faithful performance of the terms of
it on their part. The war had been peculiarly dis-
tressing to the inhabitants of New-Hampshire, as
well as to their neighbours of the other provinces.
Besides the loss of lives, and the continual expense
attending a state of war, they were interrupted in
their agricultural pursuits ; in consequence of which,
provisions had become very scarce and dear : and
their trade, which consisted chiefly of lumber, was
nearly destroyed. The news of peace was there-
fore very acceptable to them.
100 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1694.
The peace was of short duration. The Indians,
instigated by the French in Canada, determined on
a renewal of hostilities, and according to their usual
practice gave no cause of suspicion, until they were
ready to strike the blow. The settlements on Oys-
ter river were fixed on, as the most suitable place
for the attack. Accordingly two hundred and fifty
Indians, commanded by Villieu, a French ofiicer,
arrived at their place of destination, undiscovered,
on the evening of the 17th of July , and, having
placed a small party in ambush near every house on
both sides the river, made their attack unexpectedly
early in the morning. Some of the garrison houses
were defended with great gallantry, at which the
enemy were repulsed ; but they succeeded in kil-
ling and capturing nearly one hundred persons, and
in burning about twenty houses. They retreated
the next day and carried off their prisoners, and the
scalps of those, they had killed.
A small party crossed Piscataqua river and came
to the farm of Mrs. Ursula Cutt, the widow of the
late President Cutt, and there killed her, and three
men who were at work for her, making, hay on her
farm ; which was situated about two miles above the
bank, and was cultivated with much elegance and
taste.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 101
Colonel Richard Waldron and his wife, with their
son, were providentially saved from falling into the
hands of this party. They were just preparing to
§0 by water to Mrs. Cutt's, where they were engag-
ed to dine, but were prevented by the arrival of
some friends at their house : whilst at dinner they
heard of her death.
1695.
In the month of July the Indians killed two men
at Exeter : which is the only instance of their mak-
ing inroads into the province the present year.
Usher had repeatedly applied to the Assembly for
grants of money ; but they always evaded his re-
quests by pleading poverty, the exposed situation of
the province, and the difficulty they had to raise
sufficient funds for its defence. He was also disap-
pointed of the stipend he expected from Allen. He
drew upon him for the amount of his salary, but his
bills came back protested. He had been very at-
tentive to Allen's interest, and had incurred consid-
erable expense in support of his claims. But seeing
no prospect of remuneration, he requested Allen to
come over and take charge of the government him-
self, and in the mean time to procure some other
person to be appointed Lieutenant Governor in his
stead. He was anticipated in this last request. He
had suspended Hinkes, Waldron, and Vaughan as
Counsellors, which excited great irritation among
102 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the people. By way of retaliation they petitioned
the King for Usher's removal, and recommended
William Partridge for his successor. This was
done with so much secrecy, that Usher had no sus-
picion of their designs. Partridge was a native of
this town and very popular. He was bred a ship-
wright, and was distinguished for his skill in naval
architecture and other mechanic arts. He had been
a contractor for purchasing masts and timber for the
navy, and had been otherwise largely engaged in
trade ; which had procured him an acquaintance
with many influential persons in England. Having
made the necessary preparations for the voyage, he
sailed for that country.
1696.
This year the Indians began their predatory in-
cursions in the spring. The beginning of May they
killed and scalped John Church near his own house
at Cochecho. Their most fatal attack was made at
the plains in this town on the 26th day of June.
The party came from York to Sandy-Beach in ca-
noes, which they secreted among the bushes the
night preceding. They were at their stations be-
fore daylight, and early in the morning made an
assault on five houses at the same time. The peo-
ple ran out as soon as the alarm was given, and the
Indians killed fourteen persons ; one, whom they
supposed was dead, and had scalped, afterwards
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 103
recovered. They took four prisoners, and having
plundered the houses, they set them on fire and re-
treated through great swamp about four or five
miles, where they stopped on the declivity of a hill
to prepare some breakfast ; which has ever since
retained the name of Breakfast-Hill.
A company of militia, under the command of Cap-
tain Shackford and Lieutenant Libbey, immediately
pursued and overtook them in this situation. The
Indians had placed their captives above them on the
hill to receive the fire in case they should be attack-
ed. The militia rushed upon them, rescued the
prisoners and the plunder, but the enemy escaped
by concealing themselves in the swamp till night,
when they took possession of their canoes. A party
was sent out in boats, which were arranged in a line
to intercept them in their passage to the Eastward ;
the Captain being too sanguine, gave orders to fire
before the enemy were within reach of their guns,
upon which they altered their course and escaped
by going round the Isle-of- Shoals.
On the 26th of July three persons were killed at
Dover, as they returned from public worship, and
three others were taken prisoners.
The Bedford Galley of 32 guns was built here for
the British government.
The French had a small fleet at St. Johns under
command of Iberville, an experienced officer, and
there captured the English ship, Newport. They
thea proceeded to Pemaquid, where they were
104 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
joined by two hundred Indians under the Baron
St. Castine. The fort at Pemaquid was command-
ed by Captain Chubb, which he surrendered to the
French, and the garrison was sent to Boston as pris-
oners of war to be exchanged for as many French
and Indian prisoners. It was expected that the
enemy would immediately proceed westward as
far as Piscataqua river. Five hundred men, under
command of Colonel Church, were sent without
delay from Boston to Portsmouth to arrest their
progress, but after destroying the fort at Pemaquid,
the enemy returned to the Eastward.
Lieutenant Governor Stoughton ordered Colonel
Church to embark his men at Portsmouth on board
of small vessels, and range along the eastern shore
in search of the enemy.
1697.
Charles Story, haying received the appointment
of Judge of the Admiralty for this province, em-
barked at England for this country. On the 19th
of January, not long after his arrival here, he pro-
duced his commission before the Council, which was
read and approved, and ordered to be recorded. On
the same day he was appointed by the Council their
Clerk and Secretary of the province. Having tak-
en the necessary oaths, the province records and
files were committed to his care. The Council
convened agaia on the first of February, but Mr.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 105
Story did not attend. They then ordered a boat to
be sent to New-Castle for him immediately. He
appeared the next day, and the President repri-
manded him for his neglect. Story answered ^' with
lofty indecent carriage towards the Council" and
said he had been cautioned against acting in those
offices. The late Lieutenant Governor, Usher, was
suspected of being his adviser ; but he declined
giving any information, who it was. The Council
then demanded of him the books and papers, which
had been delivered to him ; but he peremptorily
refused to deliver them. Whereupon the Council
ordered the constable to take him into custody ; and
issued a warrant, directed to the sheriff and to Cap-
tain John Pickering, requiring and empowering
them to take with them sufficient assistance, and
'^ to make diligent search in any houses, rooms, clos-
ets, chests, trunks, or other places within this prov-
ince for the above said books and papers, or any
other books, or papers, or records belonging to this
province, and the same when found, to bring to the
President and Council.*' The Sheriff, by virtue of
this warrant, in a short time brought in the records
and files, belonging to the Council and Assembly,
which had been delivered to Mr. Story. He was
again brought before the Council^ and the President
informed him that they had obtained possession of
their books and papers, which had been in his custo-
dy, notwithstanding his endeavours to prevent them,
and since he had so peremptorily refused to serve the
14
106 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the King in this province in the office of Secretary
and Clerk of the Council, to which he had so lately
been admitted, and thereby dismissed himself, the
President and Council also dismiss him." But the
President also told him " that as to his office of
Judge of the Admiralty within this province, the
Council would do what was proper for them in coun-
tenancing and assisting him in the execution of that
office according to his commission." So Mr. Story
was dismissed. Henry Penny, who was removed at
the time Story was appointed, was reappointed Se-
cretary of the province and Clerk of the Council.
Partridge succeeded in obtaining the office of Lieu-
tenant Governor, and was invested with the supreme
command in Allen's absence. His commission con-
tained a full and entire revocation of Usher's author-
ity as Lieutenant Governor, and the President and
Council were to administer the government, until
the Lieutenant Governor should be qualified to act.
Hinkes was President of the Council, and a copy of
Allen's commission, and instructions were sent to
him.
Partridge returned to this country the beginning
of the present year, but did not immediately pub-
lish his commission. His appointment was wholly
unexpected to Usher, who endeavoured to excite
opposition to the government. He made a long
address to the people at Hampton one Sunday, in
the time of public worship before the sermon, on
the state of public affairs ; and requested the civil
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 107
and military officers, and the two companies of mi-
litia of the town under arras to meet him the next
morning. But failing in his attempt, he left the
province. The President and Council issued a
proclamation, stating the revocation of Usher's pow-
er, and commanding all persons to submit to their
authority. They removed Lieutenant Colonel Pack-
er and Major Smith from their command in the
militia, and placed the whole under the command of
Major Vaughan. They commanded Vaughan, with
as many men as he could get mounted, to march to
Hampton and Exeter, and to cause their proclama-
tion to be published at each of those places ; and if
he met with any persons, who were giving any dis-
turbance to government, to seize and secure them.
On the 8th of June the President of the Council
opened the General Assembly with a speech. Those
Counsellors, who had been suspended by Usher,
took their seats. Captain John Pickering was
appointed King's Attorney, and Major William
Vaughan, Recorder. The Assembly ordered the
records and files, which Pickering had taken from
Chamberlayne, and which Usher had compelled him
to relinquish, to be deposited in the Recorder's of-
fice, subject to the control of the General Court.
Usher was indefatigable in whatever he under-
took ; he resented very highly the treatment he
had received in New-Hampshire, and sent Story,
the late Secretary, to England with complaints to
the Lords of Trade, against the President and
Council.
108 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
A party of Indians lay in ambush near Exeter on
the 10th day of June with intention to make assault
upon the town the next morning. A gun was fired
to frighten some women and children, who had gone
into a field to gather strawberries, without a guard
and contrary to the advice of their friends ; the in-
habitants immediately took the alarm and met to-
gether under arms. The Indians supposed they
were discovered and made a precipitate retreat,
after having killed one person, wounded another,
and taken a child prisoner. On the 4th of July
they killed Major Frost at Kittery. These were
the only instances of mischief done by them this
year.
Mr. Moody, the minister of this town was natur-
ally of a robust constitution ; but from too close ap-
plication to his studies, and to the discharge of his
parochial duties, he contracted some disorders, which
obliged him to repair to Boston for medical aid. He
had been there but a short time before he fell a vic-
tim to his disease. He died on Sunday the 4th day
of July in the sixty-fifth year of his age. Great
harmony subsisted between him and his parish, be-
fore he was driven away by Cranfield's persecution,
and after his return until his death ; although many
of his parishioners were hurt, that he did not imme-
diately return after the cause of his absence was
removed. He was the son of William Moody of
Newbury ; was graduated at liarvard College in
1653, and was one of the fellows of that institution.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 109
On the death of President Rogers in 1684, he was
invited to take the charge of the College, which he
declined. Mr. Moody possessed a very benevolent
disposition, and was ready to do good to all men,
according to his ability and opportunity. A re-
markable instance occurred, whilst he resided in
Boston. He was greatly opposed to the fanaticism,
which prevailed at the time of the Salem witchcraft,
and deluded so many people. Mr. English and liis
wife were accused, and because the gaol in Salem
was full, they were sent to Boston for confinement,
until the time of their trial. They had permission
to go abroad by day, but lodged in the gaol. T!ie
day before they were to be removed to Salem for
trial, Mr. Moody invited them to attend public
worship, and preached from the text, " when they
persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.'^
In his sermon, he justified the attempt to avoid pro-
secution, where the courts of law were perverted to
iniquitous purposes, and justice could not be obtain-
ed. He visited English and his wife in prison after
the service, and told them plainly, that their lives
were in danger, and advised them to escape. He
procured letters for them to the Governor of New-
York, who received them at his own house and
treated them with great attention. They continued
in New- York about a year, and returned to Salem
after the phrenzy had subsided. By this kind in-
terference of Mr. Moody, in defiance of popular
prejudice, he probably preserved this worthy cou-
110 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
pie from a premature death by the hand of the ex-
ecutioner. He was applauded for the act by men
of discernment, but felt the resentment of the infat-
uated multitude.
On the 19th day of July the town, by their com-
mittee, invited Mr. Nathaniel Rogers, son of John
Rogers, late President of Harvard College, to settle
with them in the work of the ministry, and offered
him, besides the use of the glebe and parsonage, one
hundred pounds, which terms he accepted.
Richard, Earl of Bellomont, had been appointed
Governor of New-York, Massachusetts, and New-
Hampshire, but remained still in England. The
Lords of Trade in answer to Usher's complaint, di-
rected him to continue in the exercise of his office
of Lieutenant Governor of New-Hampshire, until
Partridge should qualify himself, or the Earl should
arrive. At the same time they sent him the trea-
ty which had been agreed on by the commission-
ers at Ryswick, whereby a general peace had been
established in Europe. He received these commu-
nications on the 10th of December, and as soon as
possible visited the province for the purpose of
reassuming the reins of government, after nearly
one year's absence. On the 13th of December he
published the orders he had received from the
Lords of Trade, and caused proclamation to be made
of the peace with the usual solemnities. The next
morning Partridge, by advice of his friends, pub-
lished his commission in due form, took the oaths
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. Ill
prescribed by law, and immediately entered on the
duties of this office. Usher was disappointed, cha-
grined, and mortified, and returned to Boston with-
out delay.
1698.
An assembly was summoned which met on the
3d of January. The Representatives from this town
were John Pickering, Samuel Penhallow, and Sam-
uel Keais. They voted an address to the Lords of
Trade, in which, among other things, they express-
ed their grateful acknowledgments to the King for
his goodness in appointing one of their own inhab-
itants to the command of the province. Being in-
formed that the Earl of Belloraont had arrived at
New- York, they appointed Ichabod Plaisted, Esq.
their agent, with orders to wait upon the Earl, and
present him their congratulations on his appointment
as Governor of this province, and on his safe arrival
in this country, and to ascertain when he might be
expected here.
In consequence of the general peace which had
taken place between England, France, and the oth-
er Belligerant powers in Europe, Count Frontenac,
the Governor of Canada, informed the Indians, that
he could no longer assist them in carrying on the
war against the English settlements in this country,
but recommended to them to return their captives
and make peace.
112 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Lord Bellomont delayed his visit to this province
a long time. In the interim, Governor Allen arriv-
ed here on the 15th of September, and concluded
that his commission would continue in force until
the Earl should arrive here and take upon himself
the administration. He took the necessary oaths,
and entered upon the duties of the office. On the
29th of November Usher took his seat, in Council,
which he claimed as Lieutenant Governor. This
produced great altercation in the Council ; and sev-
eral of the members refused to sit with him because
his commission was superseded by the appointment
of Partridge. The Governor decided in favour of
Usher, and refused to admit those Counsellors,
whom Usher had formerly suspended j upon which
Elliot withdrew himself from the board and was
afterwards suspended by Allen.
1699.
A new Assembly met on the 5th of January ;
Joseph Smith of Hampton, and Kinsley Hall of Ex-
eter, having been appointed Counsellors, appeared
and took their seats. The Representatives from
this town were the same as at the last election.
Mr. Pickering was chosen speaker, and approved
by the Governor. A violent contention took place
in the Council as to Ushers right to a seat there,
which was decided by a majority in his favour.
The old Counsellors, except Fryer, refused to sit
with him.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 113
The Counsellors were appointed by a writ of
mandamus from the King, but the Governor was
authorized by his commission to suspend any of the
members of the Council, whenever he should find
just cause for so doing. If by any means the num-
ber should be reduced below seven, the Governor
had a right to appoint out of the principal freehold-
ers, inhabitants of the province, as many as will
make up the number of the Council to be seven.
And the persons so appointed, were to be Counsel-
lors to all intents and purposes, until the King's
pleasure respecting them should be known. The
Governor appointed Sampson Sheafe of New-Castle,
and Peter Weare of Hampton to make a quorum.
Sheafe was appointed Secretary, Smith Treasurer,
and William Ardell Sheriff. The Assembly voted
to continue the impost and excisi until November,
but they ordered the money collected to be kept in
the Treasury, until the arrival of the Earl of Bello-
mont. This irritated the Governor so much, that
he immediately dissolved them. Allen was said to
be of a mild disposition but greatly under the influ-
ence of Usher, who, it is supposed, excited hira to
these violent measures, to retaliate upon those, who
had opposed him.
On the 7th of January the Indians came into Cas-
00 and entered into a treaty of peace. They deliv-
ered up those captives, who were able to travel in
this inclement season and promised to restore the
©thers in the spring.
15
114 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
On the third of May the Rev. Nathaniel Rogers
was ordained to the work of the ministry and the
charge of the church and congregation in this town.
The Earl of Bellomont arrived in New-Hamp-
shire on the 31st of July ; and published his com-
mission. The people were greatly elated with this
change ; they now saw at the head of the govern-
ment, a nobleman distinguished for his polite accom-
plishments and talents, and who had no interest in
oppressing them.
Partridge had withdrawn from the Council dur-
ing the contest under Allen's administration, but as
soon as this change took place he resumed his office
of Lieutenant Governor. The suspended Counsel-
lors were likewise admitted to their seats at the
Council board.
The Governor issued his proclamation command-
ing all Justices of the Peace and Constables to con-
tinue in the exercise of their respective offices.
Richard Jose was appointed Sheriff instead of Ar-
dell, and Charles Story Secretary, instead of Sheafe.
The Earl of Bellomont remained here about eigh-
teen days, and upon his departure the administration
devolved upon Partridge. Laws having been en-
acted for the new arrangement of the Courts of
Law, the Lieutenant Governor and Council ap-
pointed John Hinkes Chief Justice of the Superior
Court, and Peter Coffin, John Gerrish, and John
Plaisted, Assistants. Richard Partridge, son of the
Lieutenant Governor, was appointed Clerk.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 115
1700.
The first Superior Court after the new appoint-
ment of Judges, was held on the 13th of February
at the house of John Pickering, jun.
Allen caused several suits to be commenced for
recovering possession of the lands he claimed in
New-Hampshire, which were brought by appeal to
the Superior Court, and at August term decided
against him. He claimed an appeal to the King in
Council, which was refused him. Allen then peti-
tioned the King for liberty to appeal, which was
granted, provided he prosecuted the same within
eight months. About this time Samuel Penhallow,
Esq. was appointed Collector of the port of Ports-
mouth.
1701.
At February term Theodore Atkinson was ap-
pointed Clerk of the Superior Court.
The Earl of Bellomont died at New- York on the
5th of March. Although he had remained but a
short time in the province on his visit here, his easy
manners, courteous deportment, and other pleasing
accomplishments, had so much endeared him to the
people, that his death was greatly lamented. It was
likewise a subject of deep regret to the inhabitants
of the other provinces under Iiis command.
116 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Allen employed Usher to take care of his appeal
before the King in Council, and as security for what
he already owed him, and to indemnify him for his
expenses on this occasion, he mortgaged to him one
half the province for fifteen hundred pounds.
1702.
The Assembly met on the 29th of May, and ap-
pointed Major Yaughan agent for the province, and
gave him direction to defend the causes for the
appellees, which were then pending before the
King in Council upon Allen's appeal. They consid-
ered the public interested in these decisions, and
made provision for defraying the expense. Funds
were provided for the purpose, and their agent
authorized to draw in case of emergency.
Whilst these suits were pending. King William
died, and was succeeded by Queen Anne. She
appointed Joseph Dudley, formerly President of
New-England, Governor of Massachusetts and New-
Hampshire, and he published his commission in this
town on the 11th of July. The Assembly immedi-
ately established his salary by law, during his con-
tinuance in office.
On the trial of the appeals before the Queen in
Council, the former judgments were affirmed, upon
the ground that Allen had not proved that Mason
was ever in possession of the lands. Allen, howev-
cver, had permission to commence his actions anew
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 117
in the Courts of New-Hampshire to try his title to
the lands, or for the quit rents for the same.
1703.
The peace which succeeded the treaty of Rys-
wick, continued but a short time. Contentions
arose between the French and English as to the
extent and boundaries of their provincial territories.
The French sent missionaries among the Indians,
and supplied them with arms and ammunition.
They built a chapel at Norridgewalk for their use,
which was under the superintendance of Father
Sebastian Ralle, a Jesuit, who resided there. He
was a man of great address, and by accommodating
himself to their mode of life, obtained unbounded
influence over them. He instructed them in those
doctrines of the Catholic Church, which best served
to keep them in subjection to him, and availed him-
self of their propensity to superstition to promote
his own purpose. The Indians at Norridgewalk,
and the neighbouring tribes, were entirely subject to
his control, and he followed the directions of the
Governor of Canada. Some suspicions of their hos-
tile intentions had taken place, and Governor Dud-
ley determined to visit the eastern country for the
purpose of ascertaining the fact. On the 20th of
June he proceeded to Casco, accompanied by some
persons from both provinces, and there held a con-
ference with the deputies from several tribes. They
118 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
assured him in their strong and figurative language,
that " as high as the sun was above the earth, so far
distant was their design of making the least breach
of the peace," and that " their union was firm as a
mountain, and should continue as long as the sun and
moon ;" and in token of their sincerity, presented
him a belt of wampum. But notwithstanding all
these fair promises, on the 10th of August, assisted
by the French, they made an attack on the eastern
settlements, and ^^ killed and captured one hundred
and thirty persons." On the 17th of August they
killed five persons at Hampton village. These
attacks excited great alarm ; the women and child-
ren took refuge in the garrisons, and the men went
armed to their labour ; troops of horse were
stationed in this town, to be ready to pursue the
enemy in case of another attack. A line of Pickets
was established on the west side of the town, which
extended from the mill-pond on the south, to the
creek on the north, to defend against incursions of
the enemy by land.
On the 26th of July, Usher obtained a second
commission, appointing him Lieutenant Governor of
New-Hampshire ; " but was restricted from inter-
fering with the appointment of Judges or Juries, or
otherwise in matters relating to the disputes between
Allen and the inhabitants." He returned to this
country and took his seat in the Council on the 27th
of October. Partridge was present, and the next
day requested his dismission on account of the ur-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 119
gency of his private business, which was granted.
He removed soon after to Newbury, and devoted
the remainder of his days to mercantile transactions.
Usher was very desirous of having the papers which
Pickering had taken from Charaberlayne, deposited
in the Secretary's office, and made use of all his
address to procure them, but without effect. He
supposed that all the papers relating to Mason's
suits were among them. The Recorder was ap-
pointed by the Assembly and entirely under their
Control. He would not deliver any papers but by
their directions. Usher applied to the Lords of
Trade, and obtained their order for their removal to
the Secretary's office, which he produced on the
4th of November. Penhallow was at this time Re-
corder, as well as Counsellor. Application was made
to him for them, but he absolutely " refused to de-
liver them unless authorized by a vote of the Gene-
ral Court."
Late in December, Allen entered upon and took
possession of all the common lands within the boun-
daries of the several townships, under pretence of li-
cense from the Queen ; and he commenced his actions
anew to determine his title to the improved lands.
1704.
Allen's suit was depending before the Superior
Court at August term, and the Court was adjourned
several times that Governor Dudley might be pres-
120 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ent at the trial. The Governor however was taken
sick on the road, and the trial proceeded without
him. The Jury found a verdict for the defendant,
and judgment was rendered thereon ; from which
Allen appealed to the Queen in Council. Both
parties grew tired of this continual litigation, and
propositions were made for a settlement ; Allen of-
fered to convey his right upon very advantageous
terras.
The last of October, the Rev. Mr. Rogers' house,
accidentally took fire in the night, and was entire-
ly consumed together with most of his furniture.
Mrs. Ellison, the aged mother of Mrs. Rogers, was
so much burnt that she survived but a few weeks.
A female infant child of Mr. Rogers, seventeen
months old, and a negro woman, perished in the
flames.
At a meeting of the selectmen on the 4th of No-
vember, they ^^ agreed to give the Rev. Nathaniel
Rogers, who, by the Providence of God, lost his
house and substance by fire, eight pounds a year for
house-rent till such time as he should be otherwise
provided for.
1705.
On the 29th of April the town voted to assist Mr.
Rogers in building a house upon his own land, and
promised to give him one hundred and fifty pounds
if he would relinquish all demands he might have
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 121
on the town for house-hire, in consequence of their
former vote, to which Mr. Rogers agreed. At the
same meeting the town voted to divide the twelve
acres of the glebe, situated near the parsonage-
house, into lots, and to lease out the same, appro-
priating the rents for the benefit of the minister,
reserving convenient places for a meeting-house,
court-house, alms-house, and burying-ground. And
to this vote Mr. Rogers also gave his assent.
May 3d. A Convention of deputies from the
several towns in the province met in this place to
agree upon terms of settlement with Allen. After
a short consultation they came to a determination,
and presented their proposals to him,, which he re-
ceived for the purpose of examining, and taking
into consideration. But these prospects of a settle-
ment were cut off by the death of Allen. He died
very suddenly on the 5th of May, in the seventieth
year of his age, and left one son to inherit the con-
tention ; which would perhaps have been put to
rest, if his life had been spared a few days longer.
Allen was a merchant of some eminence in Lon-
don ; and sustained an unblemished character, well
established for probity and integrity. He was of a
placid temper, rather unsocial and reserved, chari-
table in his disposition, and benevolent to such as
were proper objects of his beneficence. He was
induced for the sake of gain to enter into land spec-
ulations, but his hopes were delusive. Like those,
who had pursued the same course before him, he
16
122 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
found his labours attended with perplexity and ex-
pense, without reaping any of the expected reward.
On the 4th of June the town voted, that the in-
habitants of Greenland, in consideration of their
numbers, distance they had to travel, and danger of
passing to public worship, be paid out of the town
stock their proportion of one hundred pounds a
year, raised for the support of the minister, during
their maintenance of an able minister amongst them,
and no longer. The bounds of Greenland were fix-
ed at the south side of Colonel Packer's farm.
1706.
Thomas Allen, the only son of Governor Allen,
obtained permission of the Queen to commence the
suits anew to settle the title to the lands in New-
Hampshire. He conveyed one half the province to
Sir Charles Hobby, and commenced his action of
ejectment against Waldron at August term.
Since the renewal of hostilities the Indians in
small parties hovered round the frontiers, doing mis-
chief as opportunity offered. They kept the coun-
try in continual alarm, and eight or ten people were
murdered by them at one house at Oyster river.
The women of the neighbourhood, whose husbands
were absent, assembled at a garrison-house, and
having put on their husband's jackets and hats, de-
fended the garrison bravely, when it was attacked,
and obliged the enemy to retreat.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 123
Colonel Schuyler, of Albany, informed Governor
Dudley that a party of two hundred and seventy
men were about to march from Canada to the fron-
tiers of New-England, and it was uncertain where
they would make their attack. They were first
discovered at Dunstable, where they surprised and
burned a garrison-house, in which were twenty sol-
diers ; and they extended their ravages on the fron-
tiers of New-Hampshire as far as Piscataqua river.
Colonel Hilton marched from Exeter with sixty-
four men, but for want of provisions was obliged to
return without meeting the enemy. He was a
brave and active officer, and on that account the
Indians had determined to waylay and destroy him.
A party for this purpose, were lurking about his
garrison to observe the motion of his people. Ten
of them went out with their scythes, and having
laid their arms aside, began to mow. The Indians
rushed suddenly upon them, killed four, wounded
one, and took three captive, so that only two of the
ten, escaped.
1707.
Colonel Hilton, with two hundred and twenty men,
visited the frontiers in the spring ; but the weather
being mild he could not traverse the woods so far as
he expected. He came to an Indian track, which
he followed, and killed four Indians and took a
squaw and her papoose prisoners. She conducted
124 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
him to a neck of land, where he surprised eighteen
Indians as they lay asleep, and he killed seventeen
of them, and made the other a prisoner.
In the spring an expedition was fitted out against
Pert Royal, which proved abortive.
During the summer several individuals were kil-
led at different places.
At Oyster river a party of thirty Indians made a
furious attack on Captain Chesley, who, with a small
company, were cutting timber in the woods. At
the first fire they killed seven, and mortally wound-
ed another. Captain Chesley, with the few men he
had left, made a vigorous resistance, but were soon
overpowered by numbers, and his party entirely
cut off. His death was much regretted : he was a
brave officer, and twice commanded a company in
the expeditions against Port Royal.
Allen's cause against Waldron was tried at Au-
gust term of the Superior Court, and judgment ren-
dered in favour of the defendant. Allen appealed
to the Queen in Council, but the cause was never
brought to a decision.
1708.
A large body of French and Indians, marched
this year from Canada, destined against the frontiers
of New-England. Governor Dudley received infor-
mation of their intentions by way of Albany, and
sent out troops to guard the most exposed places.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 125
They made their attack on Haverhill, where they
did considerable mischief; but their number being
much diminished by casualties on their march, they
returned without doing any further damage. In
the winter Colonel Hilton, with two hundred and
seventy men, went to Pigwacket in search of the
enemy, but returned without meeting any of them.
1709.
The frontiers were kept in continual alarm. Four
persons were taken prisoners at Exeter, and one was
killed at Oyster river, and the people were confined
to the garrisons in expectation that another body of
Indians were on their march against them from
Canada.
1710.
The Country sustained a severe loss this year in
the death of Colonel Winthrop Hilton. He was en-
gaged in procuring masts, and with seventeen men
went about fourteen miles into the woods to secure
some trees, he had felled for the purpose. The
Indians lay in ambush, and attacked him in an un-
guarded moment. They killed Hilton and two of
his men at the first fire, and took two prisoners, the
rest fled precipitately. The next day an hundred
men went in pursuit of the enemy, but did not over-
take them. They found the mangled bodies of their
126 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
slaughtered friends and decently interred them. Co-
lonel Hilton was a person of a very pleasant disposi-
tion, of undaunted courage and bravery, and much
skilled in the Indian mode of warfare. He was a
great terror to the savages, and they had for a long
time sought his destruction ; his death was to them,
a cause of much triumph, but was deeply lamented
by his friends and acquaintance.
Another expedition was formed this year against
Port Royal. Five frigates and a bomb-ketch were
sent from England, and the several provinces raised
their quotas of men, of whom New-Hampshire fur-
nished one hundred, and put them under the com-
niand of Colonel Shadrach Walton. The whole
armament sailed from Boston, and arrived at the
place of their destination the ISth of September.
The fortress soon surrendered, and the city, in hon-
our of the Queen, was called Annapolis.
1711.
The capture of Port Royal gave some check to
the enemy, but did not prevent their making in-
roads upon the English settlements. They came in
small parties and committed a few acts of hostilities
on the outskirts. But it was evident that an entire
stop could not be put to their depredations, as long
as the French kept possession of Canada. Colonel
Nicholson went to England and made such represen-
tations to the British Court that he obtained orders
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 127
for a suflScient force, to drive the French from the
country. The Queen sent over fifteen ships of war
and frigates, a battalion of marines, and five thou-
sand veteran troops, who arrived at Boston the 8th
of June. The Colonies furnished about fifteen hun-
dred men, of whom New-Hampshire raised one
hundred, and placed them under the command of
Colonel Walton. The fleet sailed from Boston the
30th of July, and had advanced a short distance
within the river St. Lawrence, when, on the night
of the 23d of August, nine of the transports, with
fifteen hundred men, were cast ashore, most of
whom were lost. The fleet returned to England,
and the New-England forces came home. The fail-
ure of this expedition was a source of great mortifi-
cation to the Colonies. Their hopes were sanguine
that with such an adequate force, they should soon
dislodge such troublesome neighbours.
September 24th. The town voted to build a
new meeting-house on the corner of the glebe land,
which should be the stated meeting-house of the
town, and that Mr. Rogers should be the settled
Minister of the same.
1712.
The war had continued a long time and been con-
ducted in the usual mode in which savages carried
on their hostilities. They made their attacks in
small parties upon those, whom they found unguard-
128 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ed and defenceless. They advanced without excit-
ing suspicion ; until they struck the deadly blow,
and then they retreated with precipitation, and
could seldom be found. The frontier settlements
were the most exposed, and generally suffered most
by their depredations. This town escaped without
experiencing any particular calamity, but the inhab-
itants were kept in continual alarm, and were sub-
ject to many embarrassments and hardships, usually
attendant upon a state of war. Commissioners had
met at Utrecht to fix on terms of peace. A cessa-
tion of hostilities was agreed on, which was pro-
claimed here the 29th of October. The Indians, as
soon as they heard of this event, sent in a flag of
truce, and desired peace.
1713.
The treaty of Utrecht established a peace between
the belligerant powers of Europe and their depen-
dencies. The Indians, no longer supported by the
French, were desirous of a respite from war. Gov-
ernor Dudley held a treaty in this town on the 11th
of July, with the chiefs and deputies from the seve-
ral tribes who had been engaged in the war, and a
solemn covenant for peace was drawn up, and exe-
cuted in a formal manner under the hands and seals
of the parties.
The fixing of a site for a meeting-house, has fre-
quently been the source of warm contention. The
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 129
first meeting-house in this town situated on the
south side of the mill-dam, had been standing up-
wards of fifty-eight years, and was much out of re-
pair. The majority of the town had voted to build
another on the north east corner of the glebe, which
was nearly completed, but a large party in town
had been opposed to it. On the 7th of January the
church authorised and directed Mr. Rogers " on
the next Sabbath come sen'night to preach in the
new meeting-house, and to continue preaching there
as formerly at the old meeting, and to perform all
other offices, which appertain to his function."
The opposition consisted principally of the inhab-
itants at the south end, of whom Captain John Pick-
ering took the lead. On the 9th of September they
held a town-meeting and chose Captain Pickering
moderator, and for the sake of giving him more
influence, and some agency in the business, they
likewise chose him a selectman. The other select-
men objected to him because he was one of the
assessors. Great disorders and tumults ensued.
The selectmen desired the justices present to dis-
solve the meeting, to prevent further disorders ;
and they accordingly declared the meeting dissolved
and forbad all further proceedings. Notwithstand-
ing which the moderator put a number of votes,
which were passed by the party adhering to him, of
which he kept the minutes, as the town clerk refused
to act. The purport of the votes was, *^ that the
old meeting-house, built by the town about fiifty-
17
130 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
eight years agon, shall continue the town-meeting-
house forever ; and when out of repair, so that it
cannot conveniently be repaired, to build a new one
on the place. That the glebe land formerly given
by the town for the use of the ministry, shall all
wholly remain to the use and benefit of the minister
that shall continue preaching and supplying the
place of the ministry in said house, or such one as
shall be built in that place." And a committee was
chosen " to discourse with Mr. Rogers and know
whether he will continue the town's minister in
preaching in said house during his abode in town,
according to former agreement with the town ; and
if he refuses to supply the place of the ministry in
said house, then said committee to use their endeav-
our for procuring an able minister to supply the
place of the ministry in said house, and to agree
with such person for his salary, which agreement so
made with such person, the town shall and doth en-
gage to make good in all respects, to be done by
way of rate on all persons and estates in equal pro-
portion, by the selectmen that shall be chosen from
year to year." These votes were entered on the
town-book, and certified by John Pickering as mod-
erator to have been legally passed in town-meeting
by a majority of the inhabitants.
Mr. Rogers followed the directions of his church
and officiated in the new meeting-house. The in-
habitants of the south part of the town continued
to meet for public worship in the old house, and the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 131
eommittee appointed at the above meeting, invited
the Rev. Mr. Emerson, formerly the minister of
New-Castle, but who had been dismissed from that
parish the last year, to settle viith them, and offer-
ed him one hundred pounds, the strangers' contri-
tribution, and the parsonage-house, which terms
Mr. Emerson accepted.
The inhabitants of Bloody-Point, with ^^ a few of
the outskirts" of this town, petitioned the General
Assembly to be made a separate and distinct parish
from Daver and Portsmouth. The parties were
heard on the 16th of July, and it was " ordered
that the petition be granted, and the place made a
parish by themselves, and that they forthwith estab-
lish an able, orthodox, and learned minister among
them, and be henceforth acquitted from the support
of the ministry of Dover and Portsmouth." His
Excellency Governor Dudley named the parish at
Bloody-Point, Newington.
1714.
As the town considered the proceedings of the
meeting held the 9th of September last, illegal, at a
general town-meeting held the 7th of June, they
chose a committee of five persons for calling and
settling an orthodox and learned minister on the
south side of the mill-dam ; and voted to allow him
one hundred pounds per annum out of the town-
stock, and to provide a house for him at the public
charge.
13S ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1715.
The Rev. John Emerson was installed on the 28th
of March, to the pastoral charge of the parish which
assembled at the old meeting-house near Pickering's
mill-dam. Rev. Christopher Toppan of Hampton,
in presence of Rev. Caleb Gushing, and Rev. The-
ophilus Cotton, gave him the customary charge.
Mr. Rogers did not assist in these services, and it
is said that he and his church were dissatisfied with
Mr. Emerson's being settled there.
George Vaughan, son of Major William Vaughan,
had been employed in England as an agent for the
province, which brought him into notice with many
persons of influence about the Court. The acquaint-
ance and connexion his father had formed there,
and the good opinion entertained of him by some
high in rank and authority, were of essential service
to the son. Upon their recommendation he was ap-
pointed Lieutenant Governor of New-Hampshire.
As he was a native of the province and had the
confidence of the people, this appointment was very
agreeable to them, and particularly gratifying to his
faiher, who was now in the decline of life. Mr.
Vaughan returned to his native place and published
his commission here on the 13th of October. Elise-
us Burgess was appointed Governor of Massachusetts
and New- Hampshire ; but remained still in England.
As Governor Dudley was in daily expectation of his
arrival, he did not visit this province, so that the gov-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 133
ernment was administered by Vaiighan. As soon as
he commenced his administration, Lieutenant Gov-
ernor Usher bid adieu to public life, and retired to
a very elegant seat, which he owned in Medford,
where he passed the remainder of his days. Mr.
Usher was born in Boston, and followed the business
of a stationer there. He sustained a fair character
as a trader, and by close attention to his business
acquired a large property. He laboured under the
disadvantage of not having received an early educa-
tion. In his intercourse with mankind his manners
were austere ; an affected superiority rendered him
unpopular. He continued to reside in Boston after
his appointment of Lieutenant Governor, and pur-
sued his former employment with unremitted ardor.
He frequently visited the province under pretence
of discharging the duties of his office, to which he
attached great importance. His expectations of in-
creasing his fortune were fallacious, and disappoint-
ment accompanied every attempt to enrich himself
in the province. He died at Medford, September
5th, 1726, in the 78th year of his age.
Lieutenant Governor Vaughan caused an assembly
to be summoned, which met on the 8th of Novem-
ber.
The General Court made him a grant of the mo-
ney raised by the impost and excise for one year,
but refused to continue those duties any longer; up-
on which he dissolved them.
134 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1716.
The animosity, excited in the town by the erec-
tion of a new parish, still subsisted and produc-
ed unpleasant controversies among the inhabi-
tants. The selectmen neglected to pay Mr. Em-
erson's salary, in consequence of which some of
them were arrested. The town resented this pro-
ceeding, and on the 26th of March voted, <' That
if any lawsuit on the like occasion be again com-
mencedj that it be impleaded at the expense of the
town, for that he is not the settled minister of the
town, pursuant to order of the government and vote
of the town of 1714."
These altercations not only interrupted the har-
mony in town affairs, but extended also to the pro-
vincial government. Several members of the Coun-
cil and Assembly belonged to this town, and took
different sides in the dispute. Their prejudices led
them to the same opposition on whatever question
came before them.
Lieutenant Governor Vaughan summoned a new
assembly, which met the 21st of August, and re-
commended to them the '^ establishment of a per-
petual revenue to the King." The Assembly chose
to raise the money for the support of government,
in the usual manner by direct tax on polls and es-
tates, and declined granting any impost.
Governor Shute arrived on the 17th of October,
when a great change was made in the Council. Se-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 135
veral of the old Counsellors were dropped, and six
new ones, all belonging to this town, were ap-
pointed.
1717.
Governor Shute met the Assembly on the 10th of
January, and in his speech took notice of the ani-
mosity which prevailed among them, and recom-
mended a more conciliatory disposition. In their
answer they mentioned the removal of the old Coun-
sellors as a grievance, and stated that all the new
appointments, as well in the Council, as in the
Judicial Courts, were confined to the inhabitants of
Portsmouth, which gave an advantage to the trading
over the landed interest. An altercation having
taken place between the Governor and House of
Representatives with respect to issuing bills on loan,
he dissolved them ; and caused a new assembly to
be summoned, who passed an act for issuing fifteen
thousand pounds in bills on loan, for eleven years
at ten per cent.
The town continued to show their resentment
towards Mr. Emerson, and those that abetted him ;
on the 25th of March they passed the following
vote, viz. " Whereas by virtue of a pretended
vote on the 9th of September, 1713, there is a
sham agreement made with Mr. Emerson to officiate
as a minister at the old meeting-house, the same be-
ing clandestinely put upon record, voted, that the
136 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
same be null, and rased out of the town-book, for
that he the said Emerson is not a legal settled minis-
ter of this town."
Lieutenant Governor Vaughan claimed the right
to exercise the power of Commander in Chief, when-
ever the Governor was not actually within the prov-
ince. He asserted that whenever the Governor was
in Massachusetts, he was absent from New-Hamp-
shire, and that his authority here ceased, or at least
was suspended until his return. However true this
might be in fact, Shute contended that as he was com-
missioned for both provinces, he was within his juris-
diction when he resided in either, and his command
extended over both. Shute sent Vaughan an order
to prorogue the General Court, instead of which
he dissolved them. Penhallow, one of the Council,
adhered to the Governor and opposed Vaughan's
pretensions. This irritated Vaughan very highly,
and the next time they met at the Council-board,
which was on the 24th of September, he concluded
a very intemperate speech in the following manner :
" What I have to say to you, Mr. Penhallow, is in
gross, and is, that your business for a long time
has been to sow discord in the commonwealth, and
you endeavour to propagate confusion and diffe-
rence in each town within the government ; when
avowed principles oblige you to solder as much as
in you lies, the affections of magistrates and people,
thereby to divert all things which naturally produce
dissentions; tumults, and feuds, tiie particulars I
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 137
have, and shall transmit to my Lord the King, in
whose name, and by virtue of whose power, I sus-
pend you, Samuel Penhallow, from sitting, vot-
ing, and assisting at the Council-board, till his
Majesty's pleasure shall be known." As soon as
Governor Shute heard of these proceedings, he came
to this town with all possible dispatch, convened
the Council, reinstated Penhallow, and suspended
Vaughan. When these proceedings were transmit-
ted to England, and laid before the King, he saw f.£
to remove Vaughan from office, and appointed John
Wentworth Lieutenant Governor in his stead. His
commission was signed by the celebrated Joseph
Addison, who was at this time. Secretary of State,
and vvas published here on the 7th of December.
1718.
About this time the Indians began to be trouble-
some. When they had an inclination for war, pre-
texts were seldom wanting. The French were al-
ways ready to excite jealousies and discontent among
them. The Governor of Canada kept up a contin-
ual correspondence with Ralle, and through his in-
fluence encouraged them to acts of depredations. He
secretly engaged to supply them with arms and ammu-
nition ; and increased their prejudices against the En-
glish by exaggerating the causes of their discontent.
The Indians complained that the treaties made with
them, had been violated, that trading houses had
18
13*8 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
not been established among them, nor smiths provid-
ed to keep their guns in order as had been stipulat-
ed. That encroachments had been made on their
hunting grounds, which drove off their game, and
that the building mills and dams on their rivers and
streams had destroyed their fisheries. Under pre-
tence of seeking redress, they insulted the settlers,
killed their cattle,^ and burnt their corn.
■^ 1719.
The Honourable Theodore Atkinson was born ia
Boston ; his ancestors lived at Bury in the coun-
ty of Lancaster in England ; his grandfather mi-
grated to this country about the year 1634, and
settled in Boston, where he possessed a large real
estate ; he owned seven acres of land near Fort
Hill, which was called the pasture. He likewise
owned land on Atkinson-street, which was called
after his name, and on Berry-street, which was so
called from Bury, the place of his nativity, having
undergone a slight change in its orthography. The
grandson removed to this town in 1694, and settled
at Great-Island, which was at that time a place of
considerable importance, and the most populous part
of the town. He there engaged very largely in
trade and fishery. In 1701 he was appointed Clerk
of the Superior Court of Judicature for the prov-
ince, which office he held several years ; he was
intrusted with various other important offices, which
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 139
he executed with great fidelity, and was much be-
loved by the people. He died on the 6th of May
this year, and his death was considered a public loss.
Considerable quantities of iron ore, had been dis-
covered in several places, and a number of opulent
merchants in this town, proposed to erect works on
Lamprey river, for manufacturing iron. They de-
termined to procure w^orkmen from Europe, but
they wanted to obtain a tract of land in the neigh-
bourhood, which would furnish a sufficiency of fuel,
and on which they might settle their labourers.
The General Court of Massachusetts, whilst this
province was subject to their government, had en-
gaged to "grant the town of Portsmouth, a quantity
of land for a village, when they should declare to
the Court the place where they desired it," in re-
turn for their liberal contribution to Harvard Col-
lege in 1672. The town neglected to apply for
their grant till the 25th of March the present year,
when they chose a committee '' to address the Gene-
ral Assembly at their next sessions to obtain order
for laying out the six mile-square of land at the
head of Oyster river, formerly granted by the Mas-
sachusetts to the town of Portsmouth." The peti-
tion was preferred to the Governor and Council,
who granted to the inhabitants of Portsmouth a slip
of lan-d at the head of Dover line, two miles in
breadth for the use of the iron works. This was
called the two mile-slip, and has since been included
in the township of Barrington.
140 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, was first
noticed in New-England on the 11th of December.
The appearance was very remarkable, and struck
the minds of the beholders with surprise. The co-
ruscations were distinctly heard, and the northern
hemisphere seemed to be on fire.
1720.
The Indians committed so many acts of hostility,
that several persons were obliged to leave their
habitations and remove to more settled parts of the
country. Scouting parties were sent out, which
kept them under some restraint.
1721.
All the mischiefs perpetrated by the Indians were
attributed to Ralle. He had them so absolutely un-
der his control, that they undertook no expedition
without his direction, or consent. It was thought
that if he could be arrested and brought off, they
would be peaceable ; but how to accomplish this
design, was attended with difficulty. They could
not expect to effect it by surprize ; an open force
would meet with opposition, and war had not yet
been declared by either party.
A conference was held at the garrison commanded
by Captain Penhallow, on Arrowsic Island, between
him and the Indians, at which Ralle and two other
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 141
missionaries were present ; but it ended without
coming to any friendly conclusion. The English
attempted to have another conference with them,
without the presence of the French priests, but did
not succeed.
In the winter, a party commanded by Colonel
Tliomas VVestbrook, were sent to Norridgewolk to
seize Ralle. They approached near his house un-
discovered ; but he had sufficient notice of their
intention to escape from them, and conceal himself
in the woods. They searched his house, and found
his trunk, which was of a curious construction, cov-
ered with brass- plate, and secured with two locks.
It contained a secret apartment, which was not easi-
ly discovered even after the trunk was opened. In
this apartment were found the letters from the
Governor of Canada to Ralle, requesting him to ex-
cite the Indians to war, and promising to supply
them. Disappointed in the principal object of their
expedition, they returned home without doing any
other injury than bringing off the trunk and papers.
1722.
March 26. The town <^ voted, that the village
of New-Portsmouth, be divided amongst the inhab-
itants of the town of Portsmouth, according to their
town-rate in the year 1721 ; and that no man be
accounted an inhabitant but those persons who have
been rated for four years last past."
142 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Ralle highly resented the attempt to make him a
prisoner, and excited the Indians to avenge the in-
sult. They became more active in their attacks up-
on the defenceless inhabitants, took several prisoners
whom they sent to Canada, and at length destroyed the
town of Brunswick. Upon this the Governments of
Massachusetts and New-Hampshire, made a formal
declaration of war against them, which was pro-
claimed in this town on the 25th of July. Every
necessary precaution was adopted for defence against
their inroads. The garrisons were well supplied
with provisions and military stores, and scouting
parties were kept on the alert to check the pro-
gress of the enemy. Lieutenant Governor Went-
worth exerted himself to have every preparation
for the service made in season. He visited the
garrisons in person, encouraged the soldiers to a
faithful discharge of their duty, and made every
provision in his power for their comfortable sub-
sistence, and prompt pay. The General Court ac-
knowledged his unremitted attention to the interest
of the province, and made him frequent grants of
money.
The right of ferriage between this town and Kit-
tery, had always been claimed by the town, but
their right was not founded on any legislative or
legal grant. This year they chose a committee to
sue for and get the ferry, and to let out the same by
lease, for five or seven years.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 143
1723.
The administration of Governor Shute had given
satisfaction to the inhabitants of this province, but
in Massachusetts there was a violent opposition to
him, which kept him in a continual state of uneasi-
ness and perplexity. He obtained leave to return
to England, and sailed on the 1st of June. He was
naturally of a humane, obliging, and friendly dis-
position j but impatient of contradiction and easily
irritated. His departure was unexpected, and
Lieutenant Governor Wentworth became Command-
er in Chief.
In the course of the summer the Indians appear-
ed in several of the neighbouring towns, killed a
number of persons, and took a few prisoners j but
they did not visit this place.
The Rev. Nathaniel Rogers departed this life on
the 3d day of October, and was buried in the ancient
burial ground, usually called the Point-of -Graves.
A monument was erected over his grave, with a
slate inserted in the top, on which was inscribed the
following epitaph :
Hie sepelitur reverendus Nathaniel Rogers, A. M,
Jesu Christi minister fidelis ;
Prosapia studiis evangeliis devota
oriundus ;
ingenio, eruditione, integritate
morib usque suavissimis
valde ornatus ;
benevolentiae fidei, pietatis
144 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
exemplar illustre ;
theologiae consultissimus ;
concionator prasclarus ;
ecclesiae pastor vigilantissimus ;
natus est Ipsvici, 7 mo kalendas martii,
MDCLXIX.
In Jesu sinum efflavit animam
5 to nonas Octobris,
MDCCXXIII.
1724.
On the 2d day of January the north parish agreed
to give a call to Mr. Hancock to be their minister,
in the room of the good Mr. Rogers, deceased, and
offered him one hundred and thirty pounds per an-
num, and the contribution of strangers. Mr. Han-
cock informed the committee, who waited on him,
^' That he desires time to consider of it, and confer
with his friends." Mr. Hancock preached here a
short time, and the parish afterwards gave an invi-
tation to the Rev. Jabez Fitch, which he accepted.
He was the son of the Rev. James Fitch of Norwich,
Connecticut ; was educated at Harvard College, and
was graduated in 1 694. He was elected one of the
tutors, and during his residence at Cambridge, he was
invited to settle at Ipswich as a colleague with the
Rev. John Rogers, to which office he was ordained
in 1703. He preached to that people about twenty
years, and left them, for want of a competent sup-
port, on the 13th December, 1723, and in the course
of the next summer he settled here.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 145
This year the Indians were very troublesome.
They began their depredations in the neighbour-
hood of this town the 1st of May, and continued
them througli the summer. The settlements at Do-
ver and Oyster river (now Durham) were particu-
larly exposed, and suffered more than any other
places. Government offered a bounty of one hun-
dred pounds for every Indian scalp, which induced
a number of persons to form volunteer companies to
range the woods in search of them. One of these
companies fell in with three Indians at Oyster riv-
er; they killed one of them, who appeared to be a
person of distinction, by some peculiarities in his
dress. ^' He wore a coronet of fur of a scarlet col-
our, to which were attached four small bells, by the
sound of which, his party were directed in following
him. His hair was remarkably soft and fine. He
had with him a devotional book, and a muster roll;
on which were the names of one hundred and eighty
Indians. It was supposed that he was the natural son
of Ralle. To put a stop to these incursions, the
governments of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire
agreed to send two companies of one hundred men
each, to Norridgewolk. They were put under com-
mand of Captains Moulton and Harman of York,
who were successful in accomplishing the design of
the expedition. They reached the village undis-
covered, and took the inhabitants by surprise, killed
Ralle and about eighty of his Indians, destroyed the
chapel; and brought off the plate and furniture
19
146 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
of the altar. Ralle was in the sixty-eighth year of
his age, and had resided at Norridgewolk twenty -six
years.
The Indians continued their ravages on the fron-
tiers, although the destruction of the village at
Norridgewolk gave them a considerable check. A
volunteer company of thirty men, commanded by
Captain John Lovewell, marched to the northward of
Winnipiseogee lake, where they discovered a man
and boy ; the former they killed and scalped, and
carried the boy a prisoner to Boston.
The inhabitants of the town, situated near Sandy
Beach, were desirous of being erected into a sepa-
rate town or parish, and made application therefor
to the General Assembly. Upon receiving notice of
the petition the town voted, ^^ That the prayer of
Sandy Beach is highly unreasonable," and chose a
committee to remonstrate against the same, *'so that
there may be no further curtailing or dividing the
town, which is already reduced to very narrow lim-
its by New-Castle, Greenland, and Newington."
Sampson Sheafe was born in Boston, in the year
1G50. He engaged in mercantile business, and
possessed a large real estate there. In 1675 he
removed to this town and resided at Great-Island,
where he carried on the fishery and navigation.
-During his residence here, he was Collector of the
customs. In 1677 he contracted with George Jaf-
frey of Boston, merchant, to remove to Great- Island,
and there take possession of his (said Sheafe's)
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 147
goods, houses, lands, and wharves, and to take
charge of and manage all the said Sheafe's business
in a mercantile manner, and to do and transact no
other business, except for said Sheafe, or by his ex-
press direction or consent ; for which services, Mr.
Sheafe was to pay him forty pounds lawful money
of New-England, a year, and to find and allow him
good and sufficient meat and drink, washing and
lodging. When Governor Allen came to this prov-
ince in 1698, and assumed the government, he ap-
pointed Mr. Sheafe, Clerk of the Superior Court,
one of his Majesty's Council, and Secretary of the
province. But he held these offices only, during
Allen's short administration. In 1711, Governor
Dudley appointed him Commissary of the New-
England forces, on an expedition against Quebec,
under Admiral Walker, which failed in consequence
of the disaster that befel the fleet in the river St.
Lawrence. Mr. Sheafe exercised the office of Col-
lector for the port of Piscataqua for several years.
He afterwards brought his mercantile business to a
close, and returned to Boston, where he died, ag-
ed 76.
1725.
Lovewell marched again towards Winnipiseogee
lake in search of the enemy. He came to the place
where he had killed the Indian in his first expedi-
tion, and his provisions falling short; he dismissed
148 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
thirty of his men by lot, forty remained with him.
As they were ranging the woods they came to a
track which led them to a party of Indians who
had encamped for the night, near a pond in Wake-
field. Tliey kept at a distance till after midnight,
when they cautiously advanced and found ten In-
dians asleep round a fire, killed them all, and re-
turned in triumph with their scalps; for each of
which, they received the promised bounty. Love-
well soon afterwards set out on his third expedition,
accompanied by forty-six men, with an intention of
destroying the villages at Pigwacket. Before he
readied the place of destination, he fell into an am-
bush, in which he and most of his comrades were
cut off. Those who escaped this severe destiny,
returned home, having encountered the most in-
credible hardships on the way. The Indians suffer-
ed extremely in this engagement, which was sup-
posed to be one of the most bloody they had ever
experienced. Their leaders, and many of their
best warriors, were killed, and the survivors chose
to quit the field of battle, nor did they return to
reside at Pigwacket as long as the war continued.
The governments of Massachusetts and New-
Bampshire united in sending commissioners to re-
monstrate with the Governor of Canada for his
conduct in urging the Indians to war. The French
and English were then at peace, and his conduct wai?
a direct breach of the treaty. Theodore Atkinson
was sent on the part of New- Hampshire, and when
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 149
when the Governor denied his having encouraged
the Indians to commit acts of hostility, or having
offered them assistance, Atkinson produced his ori-
ginal letters to Ralle, which put him to a nonplus.
He promised to use his influence with the Indians
to restore peace, and assisted in procuring the re-
demption of the captives, who were detained pris-
oners in Canada. The good effects of this embassy
were soon visible. The Indians made overtures of
peace, and a treaty for that purpose was concluded
at Boston the last of December, in the usual form ;
at the making of which, Lieutenant Governor Went-
worth was present.
1726.
The inhabitants of that part of the town common-
ly called Sandy Beach, having petitioned the Gene-
ral Court to be made a separate town, at the annual
meeting, the town voted. That the selectmen appear
on the second day of the next sitting of the General
Assembly, to answer to said petition.
December 2d. Samuel Penhallow departed this
life in the 62d year of his age. He was born at
St. Mabon, in the county of Cornwall, in England,
the 2d July, 1665. Being bred a puritan, he came
to this country with the Rev. Charles Morton, who
was silenced for nonconformity, in the year 1686.
Mr. Penhallow's intention was to devote himself to
the ministry ; but finding affairs in this country in a
150 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
more unsettled state than he expected, he removed
to this town and engaged in trade. He married a
daughter of the late President John Cutt, and in
her right inherited a large estate, to which, by his
industry and success in business, he made great ad-
ditions. He held many important offices in the
government. He was distinguished as a magistrate,
but executed the office with a great degree of sever-
ity. He received a mandamus as one of his Majes-
ty's Council, and took his seat accordingly. He was
successively appointed Recorder of Deeds, a Judge
of the Superior Court of Judicature, and afterwards
Chief Justice of the same Court, and Treasurer of
the province. Possessed of a strong mind, cultivat-
ed by education, and influenced by principles of
religion, he discharged the duties of these several
offices with integrity. He wrote a narrative of the
Indian wars, in which the sufferings of the inhabi-
tants of early times are related with accuracy. As a
professor of religion he was exemplary ; charitable
to the poor, and hospitable to strangers. Jle was
naturally of a warm and sanguine disposition ; his
firmness had the appearance of obstinacy ; rigid in
his principles, he was unwilling to make suitable
allowances for those, who differed from him in sen-
timent.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 151
1727.
Several persons^ situated at or near the plains in
this town, built a meeting-house on the rise of ground
to the eastward of the training-field, in which they
had had preaching regularly nearly two years. On
the 4th of March the north parish " voted to free
and exonerate them from any tax or charge towards
the support of the Gospel ministry, or any parish
charge at the Bank for the future, provided they
have frequent preaching more for accommodation
than at the Bank." They afterwards petitioned the
General Court to be made a separate parish, which
was not granted.
The town granted permission to build a bridge
over the cove or dock, from Lieutenant Governor
Wentworth's wharf to Captain Joseph Sherburne's
wharf, leaving a passage for boats, canoes, and barks
of twenty-five or thirty feet wide, provided th«
town be exempt from any charge of making or re-
pairing said bridge.
October 29th. About half past ten o'clock a ve-
ry violent earthquake happened ; it was preceded
by considerable noise, resembling distant thunder.
Some persons perceived flashes of light at the mo-
ment the trembling commenced. The sea was af-
fected as well as the land, and roared in an unusual
manner. Several slight shocks were felt during that
night, and almost every day for nearly a fortnight
afterwards. Some chimnies were cracked, and oth-
152 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ers shattered. The pewter on the dressers rattled,
and in some instances was thrown down. The
brute creatures discovered evident tokens of fear,
and ran about the fields in great distress.
The representatives of the General Assembly,
were chosen by virtue of a warrant from the Gov-
ernor, to the sheriff of the province, directing him
to issue his precepts to the selectmen of certain
towns and districts therein enumerated, requiring
them to cause the freeholders and other inhabitants
of their respective towns and districts, duly qualifi-
ed to vote for representatives, to assemble at such
times and places, as they shall appoint, to elect and
depute certain fit persons, in their respective towns or
districts, to represent them in the General Assembly.
The selectmen were to return their precepts to the
sheriff with the names of the persons elected, from
which the sheriff was to make a list of the repre-
sentatives, and return the same, with the Governor's
warrant to him, into the Secretary's office, previous
to the day appointed for the meeting of the Assem-
bly. They were elected for no definite time, but
the Governor exercised the aut'iorily of dissolving
them, whenever he thought proper. The Assem-
bly, which had subsisted for five years, was dissolv-
ed of course by the denise of the King. Upon the
accession of George the second, writs were issued
for the election of a new assembly, which met on
the 15th of December. A law was passed, which
received the royal approbation, limiting the dura-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 153
tion of the Assembly, or House of Representatives,
to three years, from the time appointed for the^ra
to meet. This law was very popular ; the long
continuance of the Assembly was regarded as a
grievance, because it deprived the people of the
privilege of election. Some members of the Legis-
lature protested against the law, as an abridgment
of their rights. The act did not determine who
should issue the writs for calling the new Assembly,
nor to what places they should be directed ; but the
Governor exercised the authority as he had former-
ly done, which caused frequent altercations between
him and the Assembly.
1728.
On the 22d day of January the house of Robert
Metlin, situated on King's (now Congress) street,
accidentally took fire and was entirely consumed,
together with a great part of his stock of flour, and
the clothing of himself and family. The great ex-
ertions of the inhabitants prevented the fire from
spreading.
The dwelling house of Mr. George Walker, acci-
dentally took fire, and was entirely consumed with
all his furniture and clothing.
William Burnet, son of the celebrated Bishop of
Sarum, had lately been removed from the govern-
ments of New- York and New- Jersey, to make way
20
154 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
for some favourite of the British ministry. He was
appointed Governor of Massachusetts and New-
Hampshire. His administration in New- York was
popular, and his fame had preceded him to his
new governments, so that the expectations of the
people were raised in his favour. He was easy and
polite in his address, and unaffected in his manners.
He cultivated a taste for literature, and courted the
company of men of science ; but all ostentation and
parade were very irksome to him. On the 22d of
July, Lieutenant Governor Wentworth and a com-
mittee of the Council, waited upon him at Boston,
to congratulate him on his appointment, and arrival
in the governments under his command.
Doctor Thomas Packer was one of the earliest
surgeons of this town, who had been regularly
bred to the profession. He was born in London,
and educated a surgeon. He came to this coun-
try a young man, resided a short time in Salem,
and then removed to this town. There being no
physician here at that time of much repute, he
united the practice of physic with that of surgery,
and attained some eminence in both. He held the
offices of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Lieu-
tenant Colonel in the militia, and Judge of Probate
for the province for many years. As Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas, he was superseded in the
year 1695, and from the other two offices, was dis-
missed by the President and Council, the beginning
of the year 1697, when the public sentiment was'
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 155
much divided by political disputes. He was ap-
pointed a Counsellor in 1719, which office he held
till his death.
1729.
On the 7th of September Governor Burnet visited
this province. He was received with distinguished
Marks of affection and respect. His residence here
was short, and he died at Boston a few months after
his return.
1730.
Jonatheui Belcher of Boston was appointed Govern-
or of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire. He was a
native of Boston, eminent as a merchant, and posses-
sed of a large fortune. He was courteous to stran-
gers, constant in his attachment to his friends, but
severe to his opponents. His appointment was very
acceptable to the people of both provinces. Lieu-
tenant Governor Wentworth wrote a complimenta-
ry letter to him, during his residence in England,
whilst it remained uncertain whether he or his com-
petitor, Shute, would be appointed. On his first
visit to New-Hampshire he accepted an invitation
from Wentworth and resided at his house. But
after he had been informed that Wentworth had
written a similar letter to Shute, he highly resented
156 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
it, accused him of duplicity, and on his next jour-
ney to this place refused to visit him. Nor did
his resentment stop here ; he limited Wentworth's
compensation for his services, to the fees and per-
quisites arising from registers, certificates, licences,
and passes, amounting to about fifty pounds sterling
a year. He even extended his displeasure to some
of Wentworth's connexions, who were removed
from office to make way for his own friends.
Theodore Atkinson, who married the daughter
of Lieutenant Governor Wentworth, was Collector
of the Customs, Naval officer, and Sheriff of the
province. Richard Wibird was appointed Collect-
or, and Ellis Huske Naval officer in his stead, and
Eleazer Russel was made joint Sheriff with him.
Atkinson being a person of humour, turned this
latter appointment into ridicule. The Governor
had ordered a troop of horse to escort him to this
town, and required the officers of government to
join the cavalcade. When Atkinson appeared he
had only half his wand, as his badge of office. The
Governor reprimanded him for being late, and he
apologized by saying he had only half a horse to ride.
The Governor's conduct towards Wentworth irri-
tated some of his friends, who formed a strong par-
ty against him. Benning Wentworth, his oldest son,
and Theodore Atkinson, were leaders of the oppo-
sition.
November 3d. The honourable Richard Wal-
tlron departed thh life in the 80th year of his age.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 157
He was the son of Major Richard Waldron of Do-
ver, and was bred a merchant under Lieutenant
Governor Willoughby of Charlestown. After his re-
turn to this province, he resided part of his time at
Dover, and part at Portsmouth, and pursued the
business of merchandize. He was early engaged in
public life, and sustained many offices of honour and
importance. His superior qualifications first intro-
duced him to notice and his desire of being useful to
society, induced him to accept the several appoint-
ments which were offered him. He was a Counsel-
lor, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Judge of
Probate, a Justice of the Peace, and Colonel of the
militia for many years together. He discharged the
duties of these several offices with great ability, and
undeviating rectitude. Amidst these worldly hon-
ours and riches, he did not neglect the more impor-
tant concerns of religion. He was circumspect in
his christian conduct, and endeavoured to walk
agreeable to the precepts of the gospel. He was
buried without military honours, because he had
frequently expressed his dislike to pomp and parade
at funerals.
Lieutenant Governor Wentworth did not long
survive. He fell into a lethargy, and died on the
12th of December in the fifty-ninth year of his age.
He was born at Portsmouth, in the year 1671, of
pious parents, who educated him in the principles
of the Christian religion. His inclinations led him
to a seafaring life^ and he soon obtained the com-
158 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
mawd of a ship. In this situation he was very ex-
emplary in his conduct, and constantly maintained
the worship of God in his ship, by morning and
evening prayer. By careful attention to his busi-
ness, he acquired a handsome fortune. His engag-
ing manners procured him the affection and esteem
of all who knew him. His public spirit induced
him to take an interest in whatever would benefit
his native place. He was appointed one of the
Council in 1712, and he adopted the same pruden-
tial maxims in public life, which he had found so very
beneficial in managing his private concerns. After
the administration of the government devolved up-
on him, his unwearied endeavours were to promote
the welfare of the province. He had many difficul-
ties to encounter ; contending parties required great
moderation to decide between them and reconcile
their conflicting interests. The utmost prudence
was necessary to direct an Indian war. In the
discharge of his official duties, he gained the appro-
bation of the inhabitants, and the affairs of the prov-
ince flourished under his mild administration. He
was constant in his attendance upon public worship,
regular in his family devotions and in the observance
of all the ordinances of the Christian religion.
1731.
June 24th. David Dunbar, a native of Ireland,
was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the province,
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 159
and Surveyor General of the woods. He had been
a Colonel in the British service, but upon the re-
duction of the army, his regiment was disbanded.
He was afterwards appointed Commander of the
fort at Pemaquid, which he called Fort Frederick,
and he assumed the government of the few inhabi-
tants in that part of the province of Maine. Being
used to military discipline, he exercised his author-
ity there with rigour. The proprietors of the lands
applied to Governor Belcher for redress, who issued
his proclamation, requiring the inhabitants to sub-
mit to the government of Massachusetts. Upon
representation to the King in Council, Dunbar's
authority was revoked. As an altercation had tak-
en place between Belcher and Dunbar, his appoint-
ment of Lieutenant Governor was peculiarly disa-
greeable to Belcher, and the contention which had
already commenced between them, increased as long
as Dunbar continued in the country. Upon his ar-
rival here, he joined the party in opposition to
Belcher, and in their communications to the board
of trade, each party endeavoured to procure the
removal of the other.
Dunbar was not allowed a seat in the Council :
Shadrach Walton, the senior Counsellor, in the ab-
sence of the Governor, presided at the board.
Dunbar was Commander of the fort at Great-Isl-
and ; he had authority to grant passes to outward
bound vessels, and licences for marriages. F'rom
these several appointments he received about fifty
160 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
pounds sterling. His salary as Surveyor-General of
the woods, was two hundred pounds sterling, and
the perquisites nearly one hundred pounds, which
were divided between him and his deputies.
Theodore Atkinson, Benning Wentworth, and"
Joshua Pierce were appointed Counsellors ; but
through Belcher's remonstrances, the two former
were not admitted to a seat in the Council for near-
ly two years. In the mean time they were chosen
Representatives from this town, and in that House
kept up their opposition. The Governor and his
friends were desirous of having the province united
with Massachusetts ; the other party exerted them-
selves to have a separate Governor, who should re-
side in the province.
The Assembly determined to petition the King,
to settle the line between this province and Massa-
chusetts. The 7th of October, they made choice of
Mr. John Rindge as their agent. He was a merchant
of this town, and about to take passage for London
on his mercantile business. Being opulent, he ad-
vanced what money was necq^sary to prosecute their
design.
The south meeting-house was built on a lot of
land presented to the parish by Captain John Pick-
ering. After the frame was raised, Mr. Emerson
made a prayer on a stage, erected within it for
the purpose. This was the last of his public ex-
ercises.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 161
The town gave permission to a number of persons
to build a bridge over the cove, from Marshall's
landing to Paul's, provided they would build and
maintain the same at their own expense. This
bridge had a hoist or draw in it for vessels to pass
through, and was called Swing-bridge.
1732.
Mr. Rindge, on his arrival in England, petitioned
the King, in behalf of the Representatives of New-
Hampshire, to establish the boundaries of the prov-
ince, which petition was referred to the beard of
trade. Mr. Rindge, having accomplished his pri-
vate business, and being obliged to return home,
left the care of the petition with John Thomlinson,
a merchant of London, who was well known in this
town, and he employed Ferdinando John Parry, as
solicitor for the petitioners.
The Rev. John Emerson died the 21st of June,
in the sixty-second year of his age, and was buried
in the Cotton burial-ground, south of the mill-dam.
Mr. Emerson was born at Ipswich, and was gradu-
ated at Harvard College in 1689. '< He crossed
the Atlantic in 1708, spent some time in the city
of London, and was handsomely noticed by Queen
Anne." On the 24th of May, 1703, he was ordain-
ed to the pastoral care of the church at New-Cas-
tle ; but this connexion was dissolved in 1712. He
was sooft after invited to this town, and continued to
21
162 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
officiate in the old meeting-house south of the mill-
dam, so long as he was able to preach. He deliver-
ed an occasional sermon on the 29th of October,
every year after the great earthquake, which hap-
pened in 1727, to preserve the remembrance of
that alarming event. ^' He is said to have been an
agreeable companion, and a faithful preacher of the
gospel." It is to be regretted that there were no
more harmony and social intercourse between him
and Mr. Rogers, during their ministerial labours
in this town.
This year a number of gentlemen, attached to
the Episcopal church, and giving a decided prefer-
ence to the ritual of the English liturgy, erected a
building here for the purpose of conducting public
worship, agreeable to that form. Mr. Thomlinson
contributed largely himself, and procured persons in
London to assist in completing it. The Queen pre-
sented several folio prayer-books, and a service of
plate for the use of the altar, consisting of two large
flagons, a chalice, a paten, and a christening bason,
stamped with the royal arms ; in honour of whom,
the building was called Queen's chapel.
1733.
The Rev. William ShurtlifF was invited to settle
in the south parish, as successor of Mr. Emerson,
and was installed as pastor of that church the 2lst
of February.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 163
1734.
July 7th. The body of Abigail Dent, was found
in an alder swamp, in a pasture belonging to George
Jaffpey, Esq. situated on middle road, about a mile
from the court-house, with evident marks of vio-
lence upon it. The Coroner's inquest states, " that
she was murdered by being strangled by the menes
of some ill disposed person or persons, by laying
violent hands on her throat." The body was se-
creted among the bushes, and was accidentally dis-
covered after she had been missing a few days.
Two sailors were suspected, as perpetrators of the
deed, who were arrested and examined, but there
was not sufficient evidence to convict them.
William Pepperell, the father of the first Sir
William, was a native of Cornwall, England. He
emigrated to this country about the year 1676, and
settled at the Isles of- Shoals as a fisherman. It is
said he was so poor, for some time after his arrival,
that the lady, to whom he paid his addresses at the
Shoals, would not hearken to him. However in a
few years, by his industry and frugality, he acquir-
ed enough to send out a brig, which he loaded to
Hull. The lady now came forward, and gave her
consent. After his marriage he removed to Kittery
Point, where he became a very wealthy merchant.
He died this year.
164 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1735.
A law had been passed, and was in operation sev-
eral years, which required a session of the Inferior
Court of Common Pleas^ to be held in rotation in
each of the four towns. This law was disapproved
of by the King, and notice of his disapprobation was
published here the 13th of June. From this time
all the courts were held in this town.
1736.
An epidemic disorder, of a new class, hitherto
unknown in the medical schools, made its appear-
ance at Kingstown in May 1735. A young child
was first seized with it, who died in three days. It
spread rapidly through the country, and proved
very mortal ; especially among children, who were
more liable to its attack than older persons. It baf-
fled the skill of the most experienced physicians.
Many families were left entirely childless. It was
not contagious like the small-pox, but from some
unknown predisposing cause, would appear in sub-
jects, at a distance from those who had been pre-
vi »usly attacked, attended with its wonted viru-
lence. The throat was always affected, greatly
swollen and inflamed, whence it was called the
throat-distemper ; a general debility affected the
whole system, which soon became putrid. The
Rev. Mr. Fitch published a bill of mortality on the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 165
26th af July, for fourteen months preceding ; by
which it appears, that ninety-nine persons died
within that time in this town, of whom, eighty-one
were children under ten years of age.
The Rev. Arthur Brown, a native of Drogheda
in Ireland, was inducted Rector of the Episcopal
church here. He was educated at Trinity College
in Dublin, and received the degree of Master of
Arts July 29th, 1729. He was ordained by the
Bishop of London as a missionary to a society at
Providence, Rhode-Island, to whom he steadily
preached until his removal to this town. His sala-
ry was one hundred pounds sterling. The society
for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts,
allowed him sixty pounds a year, as missionary for
Portsmouth, and fifteen pounds a year for Kittery,
where there were a few Episcopalians, and the par-
ish paid the remainder of his salary.
1737.
In the execution of the ofiice of Surveyor-Gene-
ral, Dunbar had excited a strong prejudice against
him in the minds of the people. They regarded
the trees which grew on their land, as their own
property ; notwithstanding they were reserved for
the use of the royal navy ; and they felled and con-
veyed them to the mills. Dunbar seized the lum-
ber, and in several instances, riots ensued, and the
Surveyor was obliged to desist.
166 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
It was a great object with those, who opposed
Belcher's administration, to effect an entire separa-
ration of the governments. They were desirous of
liaving a governor, who would reside constantly
among them ; and devote himself to the affairs of
the province. They paid great attention to Dun-
bar, whose situation was unpleasant ; and under the
impression that he had influence enough at Court to
obtain the office, his friends encouraged his embark-
ing for England, to solicit the appointment. He
accordingly took passage early in the spring.
1738.
The Counsellors of the province were generally
appointed upon the recommendation of the Govern-
or, and were commonly his particular friends. In
some instances where they were not agreeable to
him, he has suspended them until he could by rep-
resentation to the ministry, procure their dismis-
sion. When the suspended Counsellor had powerful
friends at Court, he has sometimes been reinstated.
The number of the Council was not limited, but de-
pended wholly on the pleasure of the King. This
year John Rindge, Esq. received the appointment.
The mandamus to the Governor is as follows :
George R.
Trusty and Well beloved. We Greet you well.
We being well satisfied of the Loyalty, Integrity,
and Ability of Our Trusty and Well beloved John
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 167
Rindge, Esq. have thought fit hereby to signify Our
Will and Pleasure to you, that forthwith upon re-
ceipt hereof, you swear and admit him, the said
John Rindge to be of Our Council in Our Province
of New-Hampshire, in the room of Benjamin Gam-
lin, Esq. deceased. And for so doing, this shall
be your warrant. And so We bid you Farewell.
Given at Our Court at Kensington the Twenty Sec-
ond Day of July, 1738, in the Twelfth Year of Our
Reign.
By His Majesty's Command.
Hollis Newcastle.
Which writ was directed. To our Trusty and
Well beloved Jonathan Belcher, Esq. Our Captain
General and Governor in Chief of Our Province of
New-Hampshire in America, and in his absence, to
Our Commander in Chief, or to the President of
Our Council of Our said Province for the time being.
The fees to be paid for a writ of mandamus, were
about thirty guineas.
1739.
Whilst the contest respecting the boundary line
between the provinces of New- Hampshire and Mas-
sachusetts was in agitation. Governor Belcher used
all his influence to prevent its being settled, and to
counteract the intention of those, who were strenu-
ous for it ; he proposed to have the two provinces
united under one government. One method, which
168 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
he took to effect the union, was to procure a peti-
tion from the inhabitants of New-Hampshire to the
King, praying that they might be annexed to Mas-
sachusetts. This petition was privately circulated
by the Governor's friends and adherents, and several
persons were induced to sign it. But as soon as it
was publickly known, " a meeting of the freehold-
ers and other inhabitants of the town of Portsmouth,
legally notified, was held on the 23d day of July,
and the following resolution and vote were passed.
" Whereas it is reported that a petition or an ad-
dress to his most excellent majesty hath lately been
privately handed about many parts of this town,
and some unwary persons without due consideration
have been prevailed upon to sign the same, praying,
as we have been informed, to be annexed to the
Massachusetts' government, or to be continued in
the same situation as to Government we at present
are, which seems calculated to frustrate his majes-
ty's most gracious intentions of having the boundary
lines settled and to obviate any other benefit this
province may receive thereby, all which we appre-
hend may be attended with very pernicious con-
sequences to this province, if not timely prevented,
the said petition having never been communicated
to the town at any public meeting, but hath been
obtained from the few that have signed it in a very
private and unusual method — Therefore voted —
That this town in public meeting assembled do ut-
terly disallow of and protest against the said peti-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 169
tion, and against its being preferred to his majesty
as the request and desire of this town — And also
that this vote be recorded at length in the records
of this town, and a fair copy thereof made by the
Clerk, and that the same be sent to John Thomlin-
son, Esq. agent for this province, who has the affairs
of this government (now depending before his ma-
jesty in council) under his care and arrangement, in
order to the same being laid before his majesty, in
case said petition or address should be preferred to
his majesty, that thereby his majesty may be truly
informed of the inclinations and desires of his most
dutiful and loyal subjects, the inhabitants of this
town."
Great exertions were again made to remove Gov-
ernor Belcher, and to have New-Hampshire erected
into a separate government. The Duke of New-
Castle objected to the former application, because
it was made by persons of no reputation.
This year many new petitions were drawn up
and signed by the principal persons in the eastern
country, and were transmitted to London ; one from
this town was signed by Joseph Gulston, Richard
Chapman, John Thomlinson, merchants, and Ben-
ning Wentworth, one of his Majesty's Council, in
behalf of themselves and sundry others in the prov-
ince of New-Hampshire. They stated that they
had many valuable ships, lying and building in the
river Piscataqua, and that the province was in a
most naked and defenceless situation. Their only
22
170 ANNALS OF PORTSxMOUTH.
fort at the entrance of the river, was quite use-
less and ruined ; their militia neglected and des-
titute of proper arms, so that upon the least
rupture with the French, all their effects and
shipping, as well as the whole province, would be-
come an easy prey to their French and Indian
neighbours, which event would much distress his
Majesty's service, by losing this useful province,
from which the Royal Navy was chiefly supplied
with niasls. A gentleman from Portsmouth, who
was in London when this petition was presented,
confirmed the statements, saying that the fort was
in a most ruinous condition, without powder, and
although there were forty good cannon, yet no pains
were taken to mount them ; that the militia had no
arms, and were not exercised above once in two
years, and then only a small part of those, who
ought to bear arms. — These evils were represented
to exist more on account of the government being
connected with Massachusetts Bay, than of any
neglect of Governor Belcher, who could not visit
Portsmouth but once a year, owing to the distance
from Boston to that place, as well as to the badness
of the roads. — The petitions, which followed, were
not so moderate in their statements j they said, that
the garrisons and forts in the eastern parts of New-
England had been dismantled by Governor Belcher,
that he had also denied his protection to his Majes-
ty's Protestant subjects, and, that if a new Govern-
or were not speedily sent over to New-England, the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 171
poor people in the east will be cut off, and his
Majesty lose the woods, reserved for the use of the
Royal Navy, to which Governor Belcher never was
a friend.
With the petition of Wentworth and others,
Thomlinson sent a short letter to the Duke of New-
Castle's Secretary (Mr. Stone) saying, ''• the natives
of Massachusetts, believe it their interest to prevent
the settlement and growth of the province of New-
Hampshire, and that the present Governor, hath
done every thing in his power to that end ; there-
fore what we should have proposed, would have
been, to have his Majesty's province of New-Hamp-
shire made a separate government."
While these endeavours were making for Govern-
or Belcher's removal, his friends w'ere not less active
in his behalf; and no individual more so than his
Secretary, the Honorable Richard Waldron, who
drew up a petition, in which he eloquently set forth
the many services of Governor Belcher, that he had
expended a large portion of his private fortune for
the good of the province, and had suffered much
from the persecution of his enemies.
Richard Partridge, brother-in-law of the Govern-
or, presented a memorial in behalf of many of his
Majesty's subjects in New-Hampshire, with several
addresses thereto annexed from the freeholders and
inhabitants of said province, praying to be continu-
ed under the present Governor, and also to be an-
nexed to Massachusetts Bay, and praying in regard
172 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
to their poverty, that they may not be put to the
charge of maintaining a Governor for this province
only.
December 27th. Sarah Simpson and Penelope
Kenny were executed for the murder of an infant
child. They were both permitted to attend public
worship, the morning of the execution. Sarah
Simpson attended at the south parish, where the
Rev. Mr. ShurtlilT preached a sermon from Luke,
23d chapter, 42d verse. Penelope Kenny, a for-
eigner, at Queen's Chapel, where the Rev. Mr.
Brown preached from Proverbs, 22d chapter, 6th
verse. These sermons were published. The Court,
who tried these persons were, Henry Sherburne,
Chief Justice, Nicholas Oilman, Joseph Sherburne,
and Ellis Huske, Justices. Thomas Packer was the
SherifT who executed these sentences. These were
the first executions, which ever took place in New-
Hampshire.
1740.
The north parish gave permission to any person,
or number of persons, disposed to procure a clock
at their own cost, to set it up in the steeple of their
meeting house, so that the hammer of said clock
might strike on the bell ; and the proprietors of
said clock, also had liberty to remove it at their
pleasure. The parish likewise appointed a com-
mittee to treat with a committee of the south parish
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 173
to reconcile existing differences between said par-
ishes.
1741.
The party in opposition to Governor Belcher, by
their industry and perseverance, effected his re-
moval. Thomlinson was indefatigable in all his
undertakings ; and he had penetration to discover
every thing, which would favour the cause of his
employers. Belcher's conduct was examined very
minutely, and, whatever could be construed to his
disadvantage, was urged against him, with great
address. His situation was critical ; at the head
of two governments, whose interests were contiunal-
ly at variance, he was certain of being condemned
by one or the other, and in some instances, his in-
tentionsVere misrepresented. He was very open in
censuring his opponents, and often treated them with
contempt and abuse, especially in his letters to his
friends. William Shirley succeeded him, as Gov-
ernor of Massachusetts, and Benning Wentworth,
his most warm antagonist, as Governor of New-
Hampshire. Belcher was afterwards appointed
Governor of New-Jersey, where he spent the re-
mainder of his days in tranquility.
Governor Wentworth had been engaged in trade,
and became eminent as a merchant. He con-
tracted with an agent of the Spanish government
to supply them with a large quantity of the best oak
174 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
timber; to the amount of 50 or 60,000 dollars, and
he borrowed the money in London to enable him to
fulfil the contract. The timber was delivered, but
the Spanish Court refused payment. On his home-
ward voyage his ship foundered, and he with his
crew, saved their lives by taking to the boat. Af-
ter another ineffectual attempt to obtain payment
from Spain, he represented his case to the British
Court, and solicited their aid to obtain redress.
Negociations were commenced, but did not succeed :
the war between the two nations, destroyed his
expectations of receiving his pay. Mr. Wentvvorth
then, through the assistance of his friend Mr.
Thomlinson, applied for the government of New-
Hampshire, which was granted him. Having re-
ceived his commission, he embarked for this country,
and landed at Boston, and from thence proceeded to
this town. He arrived here the 12th of December,
amidst the acclamations of a large concourse of peo-
ple, who had assembled to welcome his return.
1742.
Tlie General Assembly granted a salary to Gov-
c^nor Wentvvorth, of two hundred and fifty pounds
to be paid out of the money arising from the im-
post : and having issued twenty-five thousand pounds
in bills, on a loan for ten years, they granted him two
hundred and fifty pounds more, out of the money,
accruing from the interest of that loan, and made
him annual grants for his house-rent.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 175
1743.
Dunbar had retained his office of Surveyor of the
woods till this time ; but Thomlinson, desirous of
obtaining the office for Governor Wentworth, pre-
vailed upon him to resign, upon paying him two
thousand pounds sterling. He then applied to gov-
ernment, and procured the appointment for Went-
worth. The salary was eight hundred pounds
sterling ; out of which, he was to support four
deputies. He was obliged to relinquish his claim
upon the Spanish Court.
1744.
The ship of war, the Astrea, accidentally took fire
on the 17th day of January, and was entirely con-
sumed. The Astrea was a twenty -gun ship, which
had been taken from the Spaniards at Porto Bello
the present war, was riding at anchor in the Pool, and
taking in a cargo of naval stores, destined for the use
of the British fleet at Jamaica. The morning when
the accident took place, was severely cold, and her
distance from the town, rendered it impossible for
assistance to reach her in season. The Pool is a
broad sheet of deep still water, situated between
the upper end of Great-Island, and the town on
the southerly side of the river, with good anchor-
ing ground. The largest ships can lie there in
safety, and the mast ships were usually stationed
there, to take in their cargoes.
176 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
France joined with Spain in the war against Great
Britain ; and their colonies were consequently in-
volved in it. The French took the Island of Can-
seau from the British, destroyed their fishery, burn-
ed their houses, and made prisoners of the garrison
and inhabitants. The Indians assisted them in this
attack. As soon as the news reached Boston, the
government of Massachusetts declared war against
the Indians, and offered a bounty for prisoners and
scalps. The prisoners taken at Canseau, were in
the first place, carried to Louisburg, and afterwards
sent to Boston. Govemor Shirley obtained such
information from them, respecting the state of the
garrison there, and their means of defence, that he
formed the idea of taking it from the French.
Shirley communicated his project to W'entworth,
which met with his hearty concurrence. He rep-
resented to the British ministry, the great impor-
tance of the Island of Cape Breton, the danger of
an attack on Nova Scotia, if the French retained
possession of it, and the possibility of arresting it
from them. He requested that a naval force might
be sent to guard their coast, and protect their trade
and fishery ; and Commodore Warren was ordered
to proceed to the northward with sufiicient force to
answer this purpose. He and Governor Wentworth
were to consult with each other as to the plan of
operation.
William Vaughan, a son of Lieutenant Governor
Vaughan, claimed the merit of first suggesting this
ANNALS OF POllTSMOUTH. 177
attack upon Cape Breton. He engaged warmly in
the undertaking, and being of a bold intrepid dis-
position, was not easily discouraged by any unfavor-
able circumstances, that intervened. He proposed
to Governor Shirley to take the place by surprise,
which met with Shirley's approbation, and he ex-
erted himself to forward the expedition.
1745.
A new Assembly was summoned to meet on the
24th of January, and precepts were issued to five
towns, which had never sent representatives beforfe.
Nathaniel Rogers, Eleazer Russell, and Henry Sher-
burne, jr. represented this town. Sherburne was
chosen Clerk of the House, and Rogers, Speaker,
but the representatives from the five towns, were
not allowed to vote. Tlie Governor declined ap-
proving or disapproving of the speaker, until he
was informed what right the House had, to prohibit
any members, called in by the King's writ, from
voting. The House determined that no towns (not
before privileged) ought to have a writ sent to them
without a vote of the House, or act of the General
Assembly. An altercation took place between the
Governor and House on the subject, which continu-
ed nearly a week. But the Governor at last in-
formed the House that, ^^ in the present situation
of affairs in respect to the war, he thinks it for his
Majesty's immediate service not to enter further
23
178 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
into the dispute, and therefore submits it till his
Majesty's pleasure shall be known, and that no fur-
ther delay in the public affairs may happen, he ap-
proves of the choice of Nathaniel Rogers, Esq. for
their Speaker."
Governor Shirley submitted his scheme for cap-
turing Cape Breton to the General Court of Massa-
chusetts for their approbation. It was not favorably
received at first, but was finally adopted in the
House of Representatives by a majority of a single
vote. He wrote to the Governors of the several
provinces as far as Pennsylvania, informing them
of his intention, and requesting their assistance.
Vaughan came express to this town the 1st of Feb-
ruary, with letters to Governor VVentworth, who
communicated them to the General Assembly then
in session. They immediately acceded to the prop-
osition, recommended raising two hundred and fifty
men, and that military stores and transports should
be in readiness by the 1st of March. They passed
an act for the emission of 13,000/. in bills, to defray
their proportion of the expense, attending the ex-
pedition, to which the Governor, by advice of Shir-
ley, contrary to his instructions, gave his consent.
The troops furnished by this province, were enlisted
before the last of February, amounting to upwards
of three hundred. They were divided into eight
companies, and formed a regiment, which was oom-
nianded by Colonel Samuel Moore ; Nathaniel Me-
serve was Lieutenant Colonel; and Mr. Samuel
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 179
Langdon, who kept the grammar-school here, and
preached occasionally, went as Chaplain to the reg-
iment. Transports were provided for the troops,
and an armed sloop, with a crew of thirty men,
commanded by Captain John Fernald, served as a
convoy to the transports, and as a cruiser. William
Pepperell of Kittery was appointed Commander in
Chief of the expedition. He was ^^ a merchant of
unblemished reputation and engaging manners, ex-
tensively known in Massachusetts and New-Hamp-
shire, and very popular ;" but totally unacquainted
with the art of war. The New-Hampshire forces
were placed under his command, by Governor
Wentworth. Canseau was appointed as the place
of rendezvous, and the troops met there the last of
March. Commodore Warren, with the squadron
under his command, arrived the 23d of April, and,
after consulting with the General, proceeded to sea
and cruised before Louisburg, to intercept any of
the enemy's vessels, bound there with supplies.
The French had no suspicion of the intended in-
vasion, until they saw the British ships in the bay,
and were quite unprepared for such an event. Cap-
tain Fernald, in the New- Hampshire sloop, captured
a ship from Martinico and retook one of the trans-
ports, which had been taken by the French the
preceding day.
Pepperell landed his troops at Chapeaurouge on
the 29th of March. Vaughan had the rank and
pay of a Lieutenant Colonel, but was attached to no
180 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
regiment, He conducted the first division of the
troops through the woods, till they came in view of
the city. On the 1st of May, he led a small party
of thirteen men to the harbour, and burned the
buildings, which contained the naval stores of the
enemy, and destroyed a large quantity of wine and
brandy. The troops in the grand battery, were so
much alarmed by this fire, that they abandoned it,
and fled to the city. When Vaughan and his men
returned the next morning, he observed that the
colours were taken from the flag-staff, and that no
smoke issued from the chimnies of the barracks,
whence he concluded that the battery was forsaken.
He hired an Indian to climb into the fort through one
of the embrasures, and open the gate. He found it
deserted as he expected, and immediately gave noi
tice to the General, and requested a reinforcement.
The French sent a hundred men in boats to retake
the battery ; but Vaughan with his valiant party
on the open beach, exposed to the fire of the ene-
my from the city and boats, prevented their landing
until the arrival of the detachment, sent by the
General, and with their assistance he kept possession
of the battery. The French ship, the Vigilante,
of sixty-four guns, richly laden with naval stores,
was captured by Warren's squadron. She had been
long expected, and when the news of her being
taken, was communicated to the French commanderj
U produced evident marks of depression.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 181
The Governor, observing the preparations which
were making for a general assault, thought it best to
capitulate, and on the I7th of June, he surrendered
the city to the besieging army. The news of this
important victory was received throughout the
British provinces in America with every demon-
stration of joy, and in Europe with great surprise.
Pepperell and Warren were created Baronets :
Warren was advanced to the rank of Admiral ;
Pepperell and Shirley received commissions as Co-
lonels in the British army. Parliament reimbursed
tQ the colonies the expenses of the expedition.
New-Hampshire received sixteen thousand, three
hundred, and fifty-five pounds sterling.
The north parish on the 6th of November invit-
ed Mr. Samuel Langdon, who had returned from
the expedition to Louisburg, to assist Mr. Fitch.
They gave him permission to continue his school, as
long as Mr. Fitch was able to preach, after which
they agreed that Mr. Langdon should become his
successor.
The house of Richard Waldron, Esq. at the
plains, accidentally took fire and was consumed,
together with most of the records of the Probate
Court, and many other public papers.
Doctor Nathaniel Rogers, the son of the Rev.
Nathaniel Rogers of this town, was born in the
year 1700, and was graduated at Harvard College
1717. He studied the theory of physic and surge-
ry with Doctor Bailey of Ipswich, commenced the
182 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
practice here and followed it several years with
some success. He died in the month of Novem-
ber, aged 45.
1746.
John Tufton Mason, who inherited the title to
New-Hampshire, had suffered a common recovery
in the Courts of this province to dock the entail
on that estate. He had offered it to the General
Assembly, but could obtain no definite answer from
them. On the 30th of January, he sold it for fif-
teen hundred pounds in fifteen shares to twelve
purchasers, namely, Theodore Atkinson, Mark
Hunking Wentworth, Richard Wibird, John Went-
worth, George Jaffrey, Samuel Moore, Nathaniel
Meserve, Thomas Packer, Thomas Wallingford,
Jotham Odiorne, Joshua Pierce, and John Moffat,
all of whom were inhabitants of this town, except
Wallingford. Atkinson held three fifteenths, M.
H. Wentworth, two, and all the others one fifteenth
each. They immediately executed a deed, by
which they released to all the towns, which had
been previously settled or granted, the lands within
their respective boundaries, excepting what they
had heretofore held in such towns. Portsmouth
was included in this grant, so that Mason's claim to
any lands in this town became extinct.
The unexpected success, which attended the ex-
pedition against Louisburg, encouraged the British
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 1S3
ministry to make further attempts on the French
colonies. Shirley had represented the dangers to
which the English settlements would be subjected
as long as the French held Canada ; and at his
solicitation, preparations were made for invading it.
New-Hampshire raised eight hundred men, who
were commanded by Colonel Theodore Atkinson.
This regiment, with the other New-England troops,
was to join the British at Louisburg. Transports
and provisions were ready the beginning of July,
but they expected orders from England, which did
not arrive, and the summer was wasted in inactivity.
The French equipped a numerous fleet, com-
manded by the Duke D'Anville, on board of which
were embarked a large body of land forces, destined
not only to defend their own colonies, but to molest
and destroy those of the English. Reports were
circulated about the last of September, that this
fleet had arrived at Nova Scotia ; which excited
great apprehensions of danger, in this and the
neighbouring provinces. Instead of invading the
territories of their enemies, their whole attention
was engrossed in providing for their own defence.
Colonel Atkinson's regiment was employed in re-
pairing fort William and Mary at New-Castle, and
they erected a new battery of nine thirty pounders
at Jerry's point at the entrance of Little-Harbour.
The province was kept in a state of fearful expecta-
tion for six weeks, when news arrived that the fleet
had been dispersed by a storm, in which many of
184 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the vessels were lost, and those, that escaped ship*
wreck had returned to France.
The Rev. Jabez Fitch died of a nervous fever on
the 22d day of November, in the 75th year of his
age, and in the 22d of his ministry in this place.
He was distinguished for his literary acquirements,
and cultivated with assiduity his taste for historical
researches. He published four sermons after his
settlement here. The first was delivered to his
own parish the Sunday after the great earthquake,
which happened October 29th, 1727. The second
he preached at the ordination of the Rev. John
Tucke, who was settled at the Isles-of-Shoals, July
26, 1732, from these words, " I will make you fish-
ers of men." The other two were occasioned by
the epidemic disorder, which proved so fatal in the
year 1735, commonly called the throat-distemper.
He took pains to collect many historical facts, which
he did not publish, but the historian of this prov-
ince, reaped the fruits of his labours by examining
his manuscripts.
1747.
As soon as the alarm occasioned by the expecta.
tion of the French fleet had subsided, Colonel At-
kinson's regiment marched to Winnipiseogee lake,
and encamped near its borders for the purpose of
defending the frontiers from the incursions of the
Indians. They remained there through the winter,
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 185
very inactive, except in pursuing their amusements ;
without subordination or discipline, and undisturb-
ed by the enemy, whilst other parts of the country,
were suffering by their ravages.
The Rev. Samuel Langdon was ordained on the
4th of February, to the pastoral care of the north
church and parish.
The Rev. William Shurtliff died the 9th of May,
and " his remains were deposited under the commu-
nion-table of his church. No stone has ever been
erected to his memory. His name however will
long be mentioned with respect for his uncommon
meekness and patience under great trials, and for
distinguished piety, as well as pastoral fidelity."
He was born at Plymouth in Massachusetts, and
was graduated at Harvard College, in 1707. He
published five sermons, and an account of the revi-
val of religion in Portsmouth, about the year 1742,
which was printed in the 22d and 48th numbers
of the Christian history for 1743.
1748.
Doctor Joseph Peirce, the son of Joshua Peirce,
was a native of Portsmouth. He studied the theory
of physic and surgery with Doctor Packer, and
established himself in this town. After a successful
course of practice for a number of years, he was
seized with the small-pox, of which disorder he
died in the month of January of this year.
24
1S6 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The people at and near the plains united cordial-
ly in the settlement of Mr. Langdon, and the meet-
ing-house, which had been erected there, was taken
down.
Peace was established between the belligerant
powers, by the treaty made at Aix la Chapelle, in
which it was stipulated that all things should be
restored to the state they were in before the war.
In consequence of this article, the island of Cape
Breton, was again put into the hands of the French.
This was a mortifying circumstance to the New-
England provinces, who had made so great exertions
only three years before, to wrest it from the enemy.
The troops left to guard Louisburg, were permitted
to return home ; among whom were several respec-
table officers belonging to this town.
1749.
The honourable George Jaffrey was born at Great-
Island, and received a public education at Harvard
College, where he was graduated in 1702. He re-
moved to this town and engaged in trade ; he was
appointed Counsellor in 1716, and Treasurer of the
province after the death of Mr. Penhallow in 1726.
He was appointed Chief Justice of the Superior
Court of Judicature ; and he retained that office as
well as that of Counsellor until his death, which
took place the beginning of the present year.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 187
Daniel Peirce, Esq. and several other gentlemen,
purchased a clock by subscription, which they pre-
sented to the town the 25th of March, and which
was accepted by the town, and placed in the steeple
of the north meeting-house.
The constant communication with foreign places
by sea, kept the town continually exposed to the
small -pox. To prevent its spreading, they had
occasionally hired houses, situated at a distance from
the compact part of the town, to which persons
infected with this contagious disorder were remov-
ed. This year they purchased a small island in the
river, just below the town, on which they built a
house, with suitable accommodations for a hospital.
A family resides in the house to attend upon the sick
that are brought there. It is called the pest-house.
The south parish had been supplied with occa-
sional preachers, since the death of Mr. Shurtliff.
Having heard an excellent character of Mr. Strong
of Northampton, they sent Matthew Livermore and
Henry Sherburne, Esquires, to invite him to visit
them. He had intended to devote himself to the
labours of a missionary among the Indians j and
commenced a journey into the w^ilderness for that
purpose, but was taken sick before he reached the
place of his destination, and was obliged to return.
He accompanied the committee to this town, and
the parish soon gave him an invitation to settle with
them, which he at first declined ; on account of his
intention of spending his life in preaching to the
188 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Indians. His health was so impaired, that the
commissioners at Boston thought it not best for him
to undertake that laborious office. The parish re-
newed their invitation, which he accepted, and was
ordained the 28th of June.
The dispute between the Governor and Assembly
respecting the right of sending writs to new towns
for the choice of Representatives, had subsided dur-
ing the war, but as soon as peace was established,
the Governor received instructions from the British
Court to dissolve the Assembly, and to eall a new
one ; that writs should be sent to those towns,
whose representatives had been excluded, and that
the Governor should protect the rights of the per-
sons chosen.
The Assembly met the beginning of January.
Their first act was to exclude the members from
the new towns. They then chose Richard Waldron
Speaker. The Governor negatived him, and ordered
the House to admit the new members, and to choose
another Speaker. Neither party was disposed to
recede. The Assembly was kept under short ad-
journments. No business could be transacted, nor
could any papers be obtained from the Recorder's
office. The Recorder was chosen for three years,
his time had expired, and a new choice could not
be made, until the Assembly was organized. This
suspension of business produced great clamour with
the people. Many influential men in the province,
attributed the existing difficulties to the Governor.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 189
They petitioned the King for his removal, and that
Sir William Pepperell might be appointed in his
stead. At the same time they addressed a letter to
Sir William, who was about to embark for Europe
on his private business, requesting him to accept
the office, and to use the great influence he had at
Court, to obtain it. The petition was sent to an
agent in London, who advised them not to present
it, for as the Governor had followed his instructions,
there was no probability that the King would cen-
sure his conduct.
This year t, ship of war, called the America,
pierced for fifty guns, was built at the north end of
the town, for the British government, under the
superintendence of Colonel Nathaniel Meserve.
1750.
A number of gentlemen associated, for the pur-
pose of establishing a social library, upon the prin-
ciples of a tontine. They made a small collection
of books, some of which they imported from Lon-
don, consisting principally of divinity and history.
This year they set up a lottery for the purpose of
aiding their funds, but it is uncertain whether it
was sanctioned by law or not.
190 AN.V^S OF PORTSMOUTH.
1751.
The selectmen were authorized and empowered
to purchase one hundred and twenty-five tickets in
the social library lottery, and to appropriate the
money, raised by the same, towards building and
supporting a work-house.
The Rev. Job Strong died after a short but pain-
ful illness, on Monday the 30th of September, and
was buried under his meeting-house, aged 27 years.
1752.
The contention between the Governor and the
Assembly continued through the term for which the
Assembly was elected. The new members were
not allowed to take their seats, and the Governor
did not approve of the Speaker ; no public business
was transacted. The Recorder's office was closed ;
the people were clamorous against the Governor as
the source of all their troubles, but he remained
firm and inflexible. — Neither party was disposed to
accommodate the other. The Assembly was dissolv-
ed of course, at the expiration of the terra, and a
new one was summoned, which met on the second
day of January. The members from the new towns
were admitted to their seats. Meshech Weare was
elected Speaker, who was very acceptable to the
Governor, and approved of by him. A Recorder
Avas appointed, and the business of the session pro-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 191
ceeded without interruption. The opposition to
the Governor gradually declined, and harmony was
restored among the members of government.
The Rev. Samuel Haven was ordained over the
south church and parish the 6th of May.
1753.
Richard Waldron was the son of Colonel Richard
Waldron, and grandson of Major Richard Waldron,
who was killed by the Indians at Dover in 1689.
On his maternal line, he was the grandson of Major
William Vaughan ; so that he was descended from
two of the earliest and most respectable inhabitants
of New-Hampshire. He was born in February,
1694, received his education at Harvard College,
and was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in 1712. He fixed his residence at first on
his paternal estate at Dover, but removed afterwards
to this town and lived at the plains. In 1728 he
was appointed a Counsellor, and a few years after-
wards Secretary of the province. In 1737, Gov-
ernor Belcher appointed him Judge of Probate.
He retained these offices as long as Governor Bel-
cher presided over the province ; but soon after
Governor Wentworth commenced his administration,
he suspended Mr. Waldron as Counsellor, removed
him from office, and appointed Colonel Atkinson
Secretary, and Andrew Wiggin Judge of Probate.
He remained a private citizen, until the beginning
192 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
of the year 1749, when he was solicited by his
friends in town to be a candidate to the General
Court, which was to meet in January ; but he abso-
lutely refused. In the mean time, the town of
Hampton elected him their representative, without
giving him any previous intimation of their design ;
they notified him of their choice by a Constable, and
after some consultation he accepted the appointment.
In a letter to Governor Belcher, stating these cir-
cumstances, he says, ^^ Thus, Sir, I have once more
stepped on the public stage, to act my part in the
present scene durante bene placito PopuliP
When the Assembly met, he was unanimously
elected Speaker ; the Governor negatived the
choice, but the Assembly adhered to their vote.
Matters remained in this situation for three years,
the term for which the Assembly were elected, and
they were then dissolved of course.
This was the last of Mr. Waldron's appearance
in public life ; he died the present year, aged 59.
Mr. Waldron was a person of distinguished talents
and literary acquirements. A strong friendship
existed between him and Governor Belcher, which
continued through life. He took an active and de-
cided part with Belcher against his opponents, and
was serviceable in procuring testimony in his fa-
vour, when complaints were made against him to
the Lords of Trade.
Mr. Waldron was a professor of religion, and
zealously attached to the church, of which he was
a respectable member.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 193
1754.
Two Indians, one named Sabatis, and the other
Plausawa, belonging to the St. Francois tribe, were
killed by some persons in the woods, near Contoo-
cook. Suspicions fell on Anthony Bowen and John
Morrill. They were apprehended, indicted, and
arraigned, and were committed to the gaol in this
town for trial. Previous to the time appointed, a
number of persons in disguise, armed with axes and
iron bars, came in the night, broke open the prison,
and carried off the prisoners, who were never re-
taken ; nor were the rioters discovered, notwith-
standing a reward was offered by the Governor for
the purpose.
June 19th. A Congress was held at Albany,
composed of delegates from the several provinces as
far south as Maryland. Theodore Atkinson, Rich-
ard Wibird, Henry Sherburne, and Nathaniel
Weare were delegates from New-Hampshire. The
three first belonged to this town. One design of
the meeting was to hold a conference with the six
nations on the subject of the French encroachments.
Large presents were made them to detach them
from the French. At this Congress a plan of union
was agreed on, but not accepted, either by the
British ministry or the colonial governments.
In the month of August, the Indians began their
depredations on some of the frontier towns.
25
194 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1755.
May 8th. Eliphaz Dow, of Hamptonfalls, was
executed for the murder of Peter Clough of the
same place. It appeared upon evidence, that a
quarrel had subsisted between them for a long time.
On the 12th day of December, 1754, they acci-
dentally met at the house of Noah Dow, where
some high words and threats passed between them.
Clough challenged Dow to go out of the house to
fight, and went out himself; Dow followed, and as
he went out, took up his brother's hoe, which stood
in the entry, and with it struck Clough a blow on
the side of the head, which instantly killed him.
Dow was arrested and examined before the honour-
able Meshech Weare, and committed to prison in
this town. At the February term of the Superior
Court, he was indicted, tried, and convicted : and
sentence was pronounced upon him, that he should
be hanged by the neck until he should be dead.
The Sheriff was commanded by a warrant from the
Court to execute this sentence on the 20th day of
March following, but in consequence of two reprieves
from the Governor, the execution of the sentence
was respited until this day. The gallows was erect-
ed on the south road near the pound, opposite
where the house of Samuel Tucker, jr. now stands ;
and between the hours of twelve at noon and three
in the afternoon, Dow was hanged, and his body was
buried in the road a few rods from the gallows, just
on the declivity of the hill.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 195
Matthew Liverniore, Esquire, was the Attorney-
General, who managed the prosecution, and Thomas
Packer, Esq. the Sheriff, who caused the sentence
to be executed.
A hay-market, with convenient scales for weigh-
ing, was erected at the lower end of Islington-road,
and near middle road.
A building was erected on the glebe lot in Jaf-
frey-street, for a work-house and alms-house.
The war, which was at first commenced by the
incursions of the savages, and skirmishes with them,
became general through the country between the
French and English ; and on the part of the English
it proved very unfortunate. The frontiers of New-
Hampshire were entirely exposed to the Indians,
who kept them in continual alarm.
The most severe and tremendous earthquake,
which was ever felt in this country, took place on
the night of the 18th of November, after midnight.
The weather was remarkably serene, the sky clear,
the moon shone bright, and a solemn stillness per-
vaded all nature, at the time it commenced. The
tremulous motion of the earth was so great, as to
throw down the pewter from the dressers. Some
chiranies were cracked, and others thrown down.
The sea and river were in great agitation, and the
shock was so severely felt on board vessels in the har-
bour, that those persons who were on board, thought
they had struck on the rocks : many persons who
were suddenly awakened from sleep, were greatly
196 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
affrighted, and thought the dissolution of the world
approaching. Shocks were felt almost every day
afterwards, for nearly a fortnight.
This month was remarkable for the earthquakes,
which took place in various parts of Europe, Africa,
and America. It was most terrible in Portugal.
St. Ubes was swallowed up in the sea ; Lisbon was
almost destroyed ; several towns in Spain were great-
ly injured : some places on the coast of Barbary
were ruined, and in the northern provinces of
America, shocks were felt very extensively ; but
many days later than they were in Europe, and the
waters of the western lakes were greatly agitated
by them.
1756.
March 25th, The town directed the selectmen
to purchase a fire-engine at the charge of the town,
the price not to exceed forty pounds sterling.
After the death of General Braddock, the com-
mand devolved upon Governor Shirley. He proposed
an expedition against Crown-Point, and called on the
several provincial governments for assistance. New-
Hampshire raised a regiment, and gave the Gommand
of it to Colonel Nathaniel Meserve. He joined the
army with his regiment, and was stationed at Fort
Edward, which was committed to his care. The
Earl of Loudon arrived in July, and superseded
Shirley as Commander in Chief. The conduct of
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 197
Colonel Meserve in the defence of the fort under
his command, met the approbation of the Earl ; and
the activity of the New- Hampshire troops, and
their patience under fatigue, attracted his attention.
At his express desire, three companies of rangers
were selected from them, and placed under the com-
mand of Robert Rogers, John Stark, and William
Stark.
October 7th. The first newspaper, published in
New-Hampshire, was printed in this town by Dan-
iel Fowle j entitled the New-Hampshire Gazette,
and Historical Chronicle.
1757.
The time for which the troops had enlisted, hav-
ing expired, another regiment was raised in this
province, and put under the command of Colonel
Meserve. He, with the three companies of ran-
gers, and one hundred carpenters, accompanied
Lord Loudon to Halifax. The remainder of the
regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Goffe, joined
the army at Albany under General Webb. They
were stationed at fort William Henry, which soon
after surrendered to the French. Eighty out of
two hundred of the New- Hampshire regiment, were
murdered by the Indians, as they marched out of the
fort unarmed, after they had capitulated.
198 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1758.
This year New-Hampshire raised eight hundred
men, and gave the command of them to Colonel
John Hart, who marched with them to Lake George
to join General Abercrombie. Admiral Boscawen
arrived at Halifax early in the spring, with a large
fleet ; on board of which were twelve thousand
British troops, commanded by General Amherst.
Their first object was the recapture of Louisburg ;
in which they succeeded. Colonel Meserve was at
the seige of that place in 1745, and rendered essen-
tial service by constructing sledges, on which the
cannon were drawn, through a deep morass. He
embarked again with one hundred and eight car-
penters, to assist at the siege the second time.
Soon after his arrival, his whole party, except six-
teen, were seized with small -pox ; of which disor-
der, he and his oldest son died. Colonel Meserve
was a gentleman of a fine mechanical genius. Being
a shipwright by profession, he attained to eminence
in his business, and acquired a handsome fortune.
His moral and social character was unblemished, and
as an officer he was greatly respected. The Earl of
Loudon had a high sense of his merit and military
talents. He presented him with an elegant silver
bowl, on which was inscribed " From the Right
honourable the Earl of Loudon, Commander in Chief
of his Majesty's forces in North America, to Colonel
Nathaniel Meserve, of New-HampshirC; in testimo-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 199
ny of his Lordship's approbation of his good ser-
vices at Fort Edward in 1756."
The General Assembly passed a resolve for build-
ing a State-House in this town, and appointed Dan-
iel Warner, Henry Sherburne, and Clement March,
a committee to carry the same into execution. It is
built of wood, about eighty feet long, thirty wide,
and twenty-one feet post, two stories high. The
upper story is divided into three apartments. The
easterly room is appropriated for the Council cham-
ber ; the middle, for the House of Representatives ;
and the westerly room is for the Courts of Common
Law. The lower story is undivided. In the gar-
ret are several convenient lobbies.
1759.
A gaol was built in this town, at the corner of
Prison-lane, and Fetter-lane. It was constructed of
oak timber hewn square and covered with iron bars,
well spiked to the timber, and lined with plank. A
dwelling house was annexed to it ; the whole was
two stories high.
Monday the 7th day of May, about two o'clock
in the morning there was a severe thunder storm.
The lightning struck the steeple of the south meet-
ing-house, and rending the spire in pieces, quite
down to the cupola, descended in the northeasterly
and southwesterly corner posts ; the former of which
it shivered into small strips, from end to end ; and
200 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
shattered one of the main posts, in the end of the
house. It seems then to have moved horizontally
upon the underpinning, split a considerable piece of
the stone at the southeast corner of the building,
and entered the ground at ten or fifteen feet dis-
tance, making two considerable holes. Three cows
and a hog were found dead on the north side of the
meeting-house, two of which were in a stable, six-
ty feet from the steeple. The windows in the
steeple were all broken. Most of the glass in the
westerly end, and some on the south side of the
house were broken ; and the floor in the west end
was forced up.
After the reduction of Louisburg, General Am-
herst succeeded General Abercrombie, as Command-
er in Chief. Ticonderoga, Niagara, and Crown
Point were taken by the troops under his command.
There were great rejoicings in this town on ac-
count of these successes. A number of cannon
were discharged ; and the bells rung, not only
through the day, but the whole of the following
night without cessation.
On the 18th of October, there were public rejoic-
ings here on account of the reduction of Quebec,
and other successes of the British arras. Public
thanks were given to Almighty God for the remark-
able interposition of his providence in these great
events, and discourses suitable to the occasion, were
delivered at the respective places of public worship.
After which the bells rang, and cannon were dis-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 201
. charged from the different parts of the town from
twelve o'clock until evening, and at noon from the
ships in the harbour. At one o'clock a grand pro-
cession was made through the town, under a stand-
ard, representing a city besieged, with the motto
Nil desperandum Christo duce. Three cheers were
given at every corner. In the evening was a very
large bonfire on wind-mill hill, in which the French
flag was consumed, and the British preserved from
the flames. There was an extraordinary display of
fire-works ; and the town was illuminated. Over
the front door of the State-House was a representa-
tion of the city of Quebec in its ruins, after the
surrender thereof, with General Wolfe ascending in
a chariot, attended by victory, the ships below and
above the city, and the English encampments at
Point Levi, the bombs and cannon playing on the
same ; the French flag flying, and the English flag
above it, and the King's arms over the whole. Joy
appeared in every countenance, and every heart
was warmed with patriotic ardour.
On the 8th of November, John Wentworth, Esq.
only son of his Excellency Governor Benning Went-
worth, died greatly lamented. His remains were
interred on the 22d of the same month. A dis-
course, suitable to the solemnity, was delivered in
Queen's chapel, by the Rev. Arthur Brown. Mr.
Wentworth's benevolent and charitable disposition,
inoffensive life and conversation, had justly recom-
mended him to all his acquaintance.
26
202 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1760.
Of those who have promised to figure in the re-
public of letters, Daniel Treadwell, the son of Jacob
Treadwell, takes a conspicuous place. His father
was a native of Ipswich in Massachusetts, removed
to this town, and carried on the business of a tan-
ner. The son early discovered a taste for literature.
He received the first rudiments of his education
under the instruction of Major Hale, who for many
years was master of the grammar-school here. He
entered Harvard College in 1750, and during his
residence there, applied so diligently to his studies,
that he obtained the reputation of a good scholar,
and was particularly distinguished for his knowledge
of the mathematics. He received the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in 1754, and was the same year
elected professor of mathematics in King's College,
in New- York, over which institution the Rev. Sam-
uel Johnson, D. D. presided. He was recommended
to this office by Doctor Winthrop, who entertained
a high opinion of his talents, and proficiency in that
branch of academical knowledge. Nor were the
corporation who elected him disappointed. He con-
tinually rose in their esteem, and the President on
a visit at Stratford, in Connecticut, in 1759, expres-
sed the greatest anxiety that he had been obliged to
leave this valuable young man in a declining state of
health. Mr. Treadwell was attacked with a com-
plaint on his lungs, which terminated in a consump-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 203
tion ; and early in the spring of the present year,
he fell a sacrifice to that disorder, greatly lamented
by all who knew him.
On the 3d of February, at three o'clock in the
morning, an earthquake was fejt here and in the
neighbouring towns.
1761.
Sunday morning, January 25th, a fire broke out in
a barber's shop in King's-street, which communicat-
ed to the house of Mr. James Stoodly, innholder,
and raged with such fury as in two hours to con-
sume his house, barn, and other out-houses. ■ Its
progress was then arrested by the exertions of the
inhabitants.
The daughters of Colonel John Tufton Mason,
presented to Queen's chapel an elegant marble bap-
tismal vase with a brazen cover, on which is inscribed
Sarah Catherina et Anna Elizabetha Johannis Tuf-
ton Mason Cohortis structoris filiae ornatissimsB hoc
baptisterium, ex gallicis manubiis apud Senegalliam,
subauspiciis predicti Johannis acquisitum, ecclesiae
Anglicanse apud Portsmouth in provincia, vulgo vo-
cata New-Hampshire, liberaliter contulerunt Anno
Domini 1761 et vicessimo sexto praedicationis Ar-
thuri Browne ; Wiseman Clagett et Samuel Liver-
more ecclesiae procuratoribus.
The town built a house for a market on spring-
hill, one story high. Thomas Wallingford, Esq.
204 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
of Somersvvorth gave one tliousand of boards to-
wards it.
A ledge of rocks extended across Court-street a
little below the north meeting-house. On these
rocks, nearly in the middle of the street, was erect-
ed a watch-house of brick, about ten or twelve feet
square.
A number of persons withdrew from the other
churches in this town, and formed an independent
congregation. The reasons of their separation were,
to establish a society to be regulated by the Cam-
bridge platform in discipline ; and in doctrines, by
the New-England confession of faith. A church
was collected by the assistance of the Rev. John
Palmer, and Paul Parks of Connecticut, who occa-
sionally visited them, and administered the sacra-
ments. They purchased a lot of land in Pitt-street,
on which they erected a meeting-house, which was
so far completed, that they met in it this spring.
They invited Mr. Samuel Drown of Bristol, Rhode
Island, to settle with them in the ministry, which
invitation he accepted. He was ordained to the
pastoral care of this society on the second of No-
vember. The Rev. Alexander Miller, Paul Parks,
and John Palmer, all of Connecticut, assisted at the
ordination.
April 20th. Mr. John Stavers commenced run-
ning a stage from this town to Boston. The car-
riage was a curricle, drawn by two horses, sufficient-
ly wide to carry three passengers. It left this town
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 205
on Monday morning, and proceeded as far as Ip-
swich the same day, and reached Charlestown ferry
the next day. — It left Charlestown on Thursday,
and arrived here on Friday. The fare from this
place to Boston was thirteen shillings and sixpence
sterling, equal to three dollars. It is supposed that
this was the first stage which was ever run in
America.
1762.
January 19th. The Honourable John Temple,
Lieutenant Governor of this province, arrived in
town. He was escorted by a troop of horse. On
his arrival at the Council chamber, his commission
was published, and he took the oaths required by
law. The Lieutenant Governor was also appointed
Surveyor-General of the King's Customs in the
northern district of America, and Governor Went-
worth issued his proclamation, requiring all offi-
cers, civil and military, as well as all other persons,
to aid and assist the Surveyor-General in executing
the several acts of Parliament, regulating trade and
navigation in his Majesty's plantations.
March 25th. The town voted to purchase anoth-
er engine, the cost of which is not to exceed sixty
pounds sterling.
A barn belonging to the Rev. Samuel Langdon,
situated near his house, accidentally took fire and
was consumed.
206 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Doctor Nathaniel Sargent studied physic with
Doctor Packer. He commenced practice at Hamp-
ton, where lie resided several years, but immedi-
ately after the death of Doctor Peirce, removed to
this town, where he soon engaged in a full course of
business, and found as much practice as he could
conveniently attend. He died in the month of June
of this year.
1763.
April 3d. Sunday night, between twelve and one
o'clock, a distressing fire happened, which entirely
consumed the dwelling house occupied by Mr. John
Wendell, merchant, situated on the street leading
over Canoe-Bridge. The noise of the flames awoke
him, and he discovered the fire raging beyond the
hopes of extinguishing it. The town was soon
alarmed, and by great exertions and assistance, he
saved most of the furniture, books, and papers in
the lower part of the house ; but every thing in the
chambers was consumed. By the judicious manage-
ment of the engines, and the alertness of the inhabit-
ants, the buildings on each side, though not more than
ten feet distant, were preserved. The fire-engines
were found to be of very essential benefit. The
town at this time owned but three, which were of
the following dimensions j the first contains fifty gal-
lons, discharges seventy gallons, thirty-seven yards,
in a minute. The second contains one hundred and
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 207
twenty gallons, and discharges the same quantity
forty-five yards in a minute ; and the third, one
hundred ninety-six gallons, which it discharges fifty-
two yards in a minute.
1764.
The small-pox was very prevalent in Boston, and
from the continual intercourse, which was kept up
between that place and this, both by land and wa-
ter, there was great danger of its being brought
here, and communicated to the inhabitants. To
prevent which, the selectmen had a fence built
across tlie road at Great Swamp, and a small house
erected, to smoke all persons and baggage, coming
from Boston by land. After they were thoroughly
cleansed by the guard set there for the purpose,
they received certificates, and were permitted to
pass. The same caution was used in relation to all
vessels from Boston, which were required to per-
form quarantine, and every prudent method was
adopted to destroy the infection.
Doctor Hall Jackson resided in Boston two or
three months, and carried several classes safely
through the disorder by inoculation ; a large num-
ber went there from this town, to put themselves
under his care.
Peter Livius, Esq. made proposals to the town
for building a bridge across Islington- Creek, twenty
208 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
feet wide, part whereof to consist of a lifting-bridge
thirty feet long, with flood gates under it of the
same length, upon condition that the town would
grant him the exclusive right to dam the water-
course in said creek, together with all the benefits
that may accrue therefrom to him, his heirs, and
assigns forever. Whereupon the tov/n, at a legal
meeting called for the purpose, voted " That there
be and hereby is granted to Mr. Peter Livius of
this town, the sole and exclusive right and privilege
to dam up the water-course in Islington-Creek, and
to erect whatever mills may appear profitable to
him thereon, together with all the profits and ad-
vantages that may accrue therefrom to him, his
heirs,and assigns forever, on the following conditions,
viz. : That wholly and solely at his own proper cost
and charges he shall erect, and forever maintain a
bridge across the said creek, for the passage of the
public, toll-free. That the said bridge shall be
twenty feet wide, sufiiciently strong for carts and
horses, and that part thereof shall consist of a lift-
ing-bridge of thirty feet in length, for the conven-
iency of floating up and down any crafts, lumber,
&c. or vessels, toll-free ; That there shall be made a
pair of flood-gates in the dam, thirty feet wide un-
der the said lifting-bridge ; That he be at liberty to
build the bridge, and adjoin his buildings thereto,
in the manner that shall appear most convenient to
him ; and further, that if within seven years from
this meeting, the above conditions be not complied
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 209
with, then the above granted premises to revert to
the town, to be regranted, or in case the said bridge
should not constantly be kept in good and passable
repair by the said Livius, or his heirs or assigns,
then also the said privileges to revert to the town
as aforesaid, and also to build two or more grist-
mills on said stream, and keep them also in repair.''
Mr. Livius accepted this grant and proceeded
without delay to build the dam and erect grist-mills
upon it. He likewise constructed the bridge over
the dam agreeable to his stipulations with the town.
July. Two persons from Chester, one named
Shirla, the other Wilson, came to this town on busi-
ness. On their return just above the pound, Shirla
was leading his horse, on which he had a quantity
of fish, and Wilson was walking by the side of him,
with his hand on the fish to support it. A thick
black cloud suddenly arose in the west, from which
a flash of lightning issued, and instantly killed Shir-
la and his horse j Wilson was struck to the ground
and stunned, but recovered soon after without being
materially injured.
About this time Mr. Robert Sandeman came to
this country and propagated his peculiar tenets in
religion. Several small societies were formed in
different parts of the country, which are called by
his name, and thus a new sect or denomination of
Christians arose. A society of Sandemanians was
established in this town, and erected a building for
public worship on a rise of ground in Pleasant-street.
27
SlO ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Colonel Thomas Thompson purchased the lot on
which this building stood, and built a house there^^
which is now owned by his heirs.
Towards the latter part of this year, Thomas Fur-
ber, who had served his apprenticeship with Daniel
Fowle, commenced publishing another weekly pa-
per, entitled " The New-Hampshire Mercury and
Weekly Advertizer." He received assistance from
some of the zealous whigs, who thought the print-
ers of the New-Hampshire Gazette too timid in the
cause of liberty, or their press too much under the
influence of the officers of Government.
The British government passed an act imposing
duties on certain articles imported into the Ameri-
can colonies. This was pretended to be for the
purpose of regulating trade ; a power they had
always claimed a right to exercise, it was there-
fore submitted to without much opposition. Many
viewed it as an attempt to tax the colonies without
their consent, which was considered as a violation of
the British constitution. The stamp act excited
general alarm. It required stamped paper to be
used in all legal and mercantile transactions. The
paper was stamped in England, and sent over to
agents here, to be disposed of as occasion required.
All disputes and controversies arising under this
act, were to be decided in a court of Admiralty,
by a single Judge, without the intervention of a
jury.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 211
The intention of the ministry to raise a revenue
in'^ this country, became very evident, and several of
the colonies remonstrated against these laws as op-
pressive, and unjust.
The stamp act met with some opposition in Par-
liament. Several distinguished members displayed
their eloquence on the occasion. Colonel Barre,
who was well acquainted in this country, predicted
that the Americans would oppose the act, and in
his speech styled them ^^ Sons of Liberty." Those
who opposed the arbitrary measures of the British
government, assumed this name.
1765.
The opposition to the stamp act grew more vio-
lent as the time appointed for carrying it into effect
approached. George Meserve, Esq. a native of
this town, son of the late Colonel Meserve, who
died at Louisburg, was the agent, for distributing
the stamps in New-Hampshire. He was in Eng-
land at the time he was appointed, but soon after
returned to this country. On his arrival at Boston
the 9th of September, he heard the public senti-
ment relative to these oppressive acts, and the de-
termined opposition that was made to them in
every part of the country. Upon the recommenda-
tion of his friends, he resigned his office of stamp
master before he landed. The news of his arrival
reached this town ; but his resignation was not gen-
212 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
erally known. The indignation of the populace
against him was manifested, not only by words, but
on the morning of the 12th of September, his effigy
was exhibited at the hay-market. It was accompa-
nied by that of Lord Bute and the Devil. — Bute
was at the head of the British ministry, that pro-
cured the passing of the act, and they supposed the
Devil to be the instigator of it. The effigies hung
there through the day, and in the evening v^^ere
carried through the town in a tumultuous manner,
and publicly burnt. Mr. Meserve arrived here the
18th of September, and was immediately surround-
ed by a large concourse of people. To pacify them
he made a public resignation of his office on the
parade. He was congratulated on his safe return
by his friends, who tiien waited upon him to his
own house. The stamped paper, intended for this
province, arrived at Boston the 30th of September,
and there being no persons authorized to take charge
of it. Governor Bernard directed it to be lodged in
the Castle. The stamp act was to go into operation
the 1st day of November. Newspapers were sub-
ject to the stamp duties.
The New-Hampshire Gazette on the last day of
October, appeared with a black border round it, an
emblem of mourning for the loss of liberty ; and the
printer stated that he should publish it no longer,
as he could not submit to the unjust tax.
On the morning of the inauspicious day, a collec-
tion of people from the country, expecting that the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 213
stamped paper would be distributed, were marching
towards the town for the purpose of preventing it,
but being assured by a number of respectable gentle-
men of Mr. Meserve's resignation^ and that the stamps
were not here, they dispersed, and returned to their
respective homes. The day was ushered in by the
tolling of all the bells in town, the vessels in the
harbour had their colours hoisted half-mast high ;
about three o'clock a funeral procession was formed,
having a coffin with this inscription, Liberty aged
145, stampt. It moved from the State-house, with
two unbraced drums, through the principal streets.
As it passed the parade, minute-guns were fired;
at the place of interment a speech was delivered on
the occasion, stating the many advantages we had
received and the melancholy prospect before us, at
the seeming departure of our invaluable liberties.
But some signs of life appearing, Liberty was not
deposited in the grave ; it was rescued by a number
of her sons, the motto changed to Liberty revived,
and carried off in triumph ; The detestable act was
buried in its stead, and the clods of the valley were
laid upon it j the bells changed their melancholy
sound to a more joyful tone.
A spirit of discord began to appear among those
persons, who were kept in order, only by the re-
straints of law. They knew that stamps could not
be obtained, and supposed that the courts of law
could not proceed without them. In this they were
mistaken; the courts were open, and all business
214 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
proceeded in the same manner, as if the act had
never passed, except that the sheriff would take no
bail bonds, and the debtor, arrested on mesne pro-
cess was obliged to remain in custody until the de-
cision of his cause. Associations were formed in
this town of its most respectable inhabitants, to
support the magistrates in the execution of the law,
and every attempt to disturb the peace of society,
was instantly suppressed.
Towards the close of the seventeenth century a
person named Richard Wibird, came to this town in
one of the King's ships. He was steward of the
ship, or in an office subservient to the steward.
His business was to furnish the table for the officers,
and was generally called the King's poulterer. He
married a Mrs. Due of Hampton, who had been in
the practice of bringing small articles to market,
and afterwards kept a retail shop in what is now
called Market- street. He engaged in navigation,
and was successful. By their joint exertions, they
amassed a large estate. Mr. Wibird erected the
first brick-house ever built in Portsmouth. They
left three sons, Richard, Thomas, and John. John
died in early life, and left one son, whose name was
Anthony, who was settled in the ministry at Brain-
tree. Richard Wibird was educated at Cambridge,
and received his first degree in 1722. Soon after
he left College, he engaged in merchandize, and
pursued that business with diligence through life.
He was one of the original proprietors of Mason's
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 215
patent. In 1739 he was admitted one of his Ma-
jesty's Council, and in 1756, received the appoint-
ment of Judge of Probate, and he retained these
offices until his death, which took place the 25th of
September, in the sixty-third year of his age. His
house was the seat of hospitality ; and many, es-
pecially among the clergy, partook of his munif-
icence.
Tuesday, November 12th. Thomas Wibird, Esq.
died in the 59th year of his age. He was educated
at Harvard College, and was graduated in 1728.
Having experienced the benefit of a liberal educa-
tion, he esteemed all useful learning, and patronised
literary institutions. In his will he left a legacy of
fifty pounds sterling to Harvard College, and sixty
pounds sterling to the school for the instruction of
the Indians, at Lebanon, in Connecticut, under the
direction of the Rev. Dr. Wheelock. Mr. Wibird
gave sufficient silver to make two large flagons to
the north church, of which he was a member. In
his Christian course, he endeavoured to regulate his
conduct by the precepts of the gospel, and to adorn
his profession by a virtuous life and conversation.
He was never married, and being possessed of a
handsome estate, it was inherited, after the payment
of several legacies, by some distant reljitions.
216 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1766.
Mr. Meserve did not receive his commission till
long after the time appointed for the stamp act to
commence its operation. As soon as it was known
that he had received it the people were jealous,
notwithstanding his resignation, that he intended to
accept the office, and distribute the stamps. They
assembled on the 9th of January, and demanded his
commission, and instructions, which he delivered up
to them : they then required him to make oath that
he would not directly, nor indirectly, attempt to ex-
ecute the office ; which oath was administered to
him publicly, by Wiseman Claggett, Esq. They
marched through the streets, carrying the commis-
sion in triumph on the point of a sword, exposed to
public view. They afterward sent it, enclosed to
the agents of the province in England, referring the
disposal of it to their discretion. But lest some
clandestine measures should be adopted to stop it,
they required the master of the ship, by whom it
was sent, to swear that on his arrival in England, he
would deliver the package, containing the commis-
sion and instructions, according to the direction.
They used a flag an this occasion, on which were
inscribed in large letters the words «^ Liberty f
Property^ and no StanipJ^ And to perpetuate this
memorable event, they erected this standard at
Swing-Bridge, which on this occasion they called
Liberty-Bridge.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 217
The stamp act was repealed the 18th day of
March, and the news was received in this country,
with extravagant demonstrations of joy. The pleas-
ing intelligence was brought here by express from
Boston, the 14th of April, and was confirmed by
an arrival from St. Christopher^s the same day. All
the bells immediately commenced a joyful peal.
Thursday, the 22d day of May, was appointed for
celebrating this important event in this town. At
early dawn, all the bells began to ring ; a discharge
of cannon saluted the rising sun. A battery of 21
guns was erected near Liberty-Bridge, and dedi-
cated to his Majesty. Another of thirteen guns was
erected on church-hill, in honour of Mr. Pitt, and
a third, of five guns on the town-wharf. The ships
in the harbour were decorated with their colours ;
drums and military music contributed to the hilari-
ty of the day. At twelve o'clock a royal salute was
fired at Castle William and Mary by order of the
Governor, which was answered by the batteries in
town. A large number of gentlemen assembled at
the Council chamber, and drank several patriotic
toasts. In the afternoon a grand procession was
made through the principal streets, and a salute was
fired at each of the batteries as they passed. Mag-
azines were provided, and the people were abund-
antly supplied with every kind of refreshment.
The bells continued ringing through the day. In
the evening a bonfire was kindled on wind-mill hill.
A mast had been raised the foot of which was set
2$
218 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
several feet in the ground, and a stage was built
round it, filled with combustible materials ; the fire
ascended majestically to the top of the mast, when it
communicated with a bomb, deposited there, which
made a fine explosion. A house near the State-
house, was illuminated, and a beautiful display of
fire-works was made from a stage erected in the
front of it. The whole transaction was conducted
with decorum, sobriety, and innocent mirth, " to
the honour of the managers, who obtained the uni-
versal applause of the spectators."
Mr. Meserve petitioned the General Assembly
for indemnity for the injuries, he had sustained.
His petition was referred to a committee, who
reported, ^^ that he had suffered no real damage
either in person or property ; but that, when any-
real danger had been expected, guards had been
appointed to protect him ;" upon which the peti-
tion was dismissed.
A spirit of speculation in new lands, prevailed
among all ranks in society. Applications were con-
tinually made to the Governor for grants, and he
readily complied with the requests. The townships
were generally laid out six miles square ; in each
of which, he reserved to himself a tract of five hun-
dred acres. By these reservations and the perqui-
sites of oflice, he amassed a large estate.
Governor Wentworth had not taken any active
part in support of the unpopular measures, pursued
by the British ministry, and was in favour with the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 219
people. Some complaints, however, had been ex-
hibited against him, and the ministry had determin-
ed to remove him from office, and to appoint his
nephew, John Wentworth, as his successor.
Mr. Wentworth had been sometime in England,
and had acted as agent for the province ; by which
means, he became acquainted with some of the
ministry. He was patronized by the Marquis of
Rockingham, whose name was Wentworth, and who
was at this time, at the head of the administration.
He interceded with the Marquis in behalf of his
uncle, and obtained permission for him to resign,
instead of being removed from office.
Mr. John Wentworth received his commissions as
Governor of New-Hampshire, and as Surveyor of
the woods in North America, the 11th of August.
June. A letter signed by fifty -five of the prin-
cipal m^chants in London, trading to North Amer-
ica, was sent by express, when the act repealing the
stamp act, received the royal assent, directed to the
honourable Mark Hunking Wentworth, and the rest
of the merchants in Portsmouth, New-Hampshire,
informing them of the repeal ; mildly reproving the
conduct of those, who violently opposed the opera-
tion of the act ; and recommending more moderate
measures in future. Similar letters were sent to the
merchants in other sea-ports.
August 5th. There was an eclipse of the sun,
which began at 38 minutes past eleven, A. M. and
ended 50 minutes after two, P. M. — Digits eclips-
ed 9^
220 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1767.
Henry Sherburne, Esquire, departed this life on
the 30th of March, in the 58th year of his age.
His ancestors were among the early settlers of the
town, and had taken an active part in the manage-
ment of its concerns. He was educated at Harvard
College, where he was graduated in 1728. Soon
after his return from College, he engaged in mercan-
tile business, which he pursued to great advantage
until his death. Mr. Sherburne was employed
through life in many important public offices, in
addition to his private business. In 1729, he was
appointed Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common
Pleas, for the province, which office he held about
ten years. In 1731, and several years after, he was
chosen o*ie of the selectmen, in which capacity he
exerted himself to promote the interest of the town.
In January, 1745, he was elected one of the repre-
sentatives of this town to the General Assembly, to
which office, he was elected twenty-one years in
succession. In 1755, he was chosen Speaker of the
House of Representatives, and was successively cho-
sen to fill that chair, until he was promoted to the
Council. His Majesty's mandamus, which entitled
him to a seat at that board, was dated February 21st,
1766. He was elected one of the commissioners
at the Congress, v^hich met at Albany, in 1754. In
1765, he received the appointment of a Justice of
the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for the prov-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 221
ince. Through two long and tedious wars with the
French and Indians, he acted as one of the commit-
tee of war, and was active in procuring all necessary
supplies in season for the service. He discharged
the duties of these several offices with great punc-
tuality and dispatch. '^' His natural genius was
strong, and his judgment clear ;" both were improv-
ed by a liberal education and uncommon diligence,
which enabled him to accomplish the multiplicity of
business, in which he was engaged. For many
years he was afflicted with a most distressing asth-
ma, which he bore with Christian fortitude, and
resignation. He was constant and zealous in his
devotional exercises, and the ministers of the gospel
always found a cordial reception at his house.
r Thomas Wallingford, Esq. of Somersworth, pre-
sented to the town a lot of land at the north end,
for the erection of a school-house ; which he con-
veyed by deed duly executed. This donation was
gratefully accepted, and the selectmen were direct-
ed to have a building erected thereon for the
purpose intended by the donor, agreeable to a plan,
exhibited by a committee.
Governor John Wentworth arrived at Charles-
ton, in South Carolina, in March ; and came from
thence by land. He was treated with distinguished
marks of attention and respect in every province,
through which he passed. Several members of his
Majesty's Council, and a committee of the General
Assembly, escorted by a troop of horse, received
222 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
him at the province line, and waited upon him to
this town. A number of gentlemen from Ports-
mouth and the neighbouring towns, joined them on
the road, and the whole formed a grand cavalcade.
At the entrance of King-street a regiment of mili-
tia, and the independent companies were paraded,
who gave him a military salute, as he passed. He
alighted at the State-house, and was introduced in-
to the Council-chamber, where he was attended by
the Council and officers of government. The com-
mission appointing him Governor, and Commander
in Chief of the province, and a commission from the
Lords of Admiralty, appointing him Vice Admiral
of the same, were publicly read by the High Sher-
iff. The Sheriff also published an ordinance of the
Governor, directing and requiring all officers of the
government, to execute their offices till further
orders. The Governor, Council, and gentlemen
present, partook of an elegant entertainment, pre-
pared for the occasion. At the close of the day, a
procession was formed, which waited upon the Gov-
ernor to his seat, where they left him to receive, if
possible, a more endearing reception from his affec-
tionate family, who had long expected this happy
event. The guns of the fort and batteries in town,
fired a salute, and the ships displayed their colours.
Such ardency and emulation prevailed among all
ranks on this occasion, as gave the most promising
hopes, that his Excellency's government would be
crowned with the most cordial affectipns of the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 223
people, whose happiness and his own were now so
intimately blended.
The General Court met in September, and voted
the Governor seven hundred pounds, as a salary for
the present year ; besides an allowance for house-
rent. The House were divided on the question of
making the salary permanent, and the Speaker de-
cided it in the negative. His salary as Surveyor of
the woods was seven hundred pounds a year.
Spanish dollars were estimated at six shillings
each.
1768.
The situation of public affairs had assumed a very
alarming aspect. A large number of the most re-
spectable inhabitants petitioned the selectmen to
notify a town-meeting, for the purpose of instruct-
ing their representatives. The town, on the first of
August, agreed upon the instructions to be given
them : in which they stated the grievances, which
the country suffered, expressed their duty and loy-
alty to the King, and the confidence they had in his
desire to promote the happiness of his subjects, and
enjoined it upon them " to use their utmost influ-
ence in the General Assembly, to forward as soon as
possible, a full and humble representation to his
Majesty, of the sentiments of his loyal subjects in
the province, assuring him of their steady attach-
ment to his Royal person, and zealous adherence to
224 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the English constitution, and most humbly petition-
ing his Majesty with all duty and loyalty, that in his
great wisdom and clemency, he would redress their
grievances, and protect them in their constitutional
rights.
Friday, December 30th. Ruth Blay, of South-
Hampton, was executed in pursuance of the sentence
of death, pronounced upon her by the Superior
Court at August term last. She was indicted for
concealing the birth of a bastard child, so that it
might not come to light, whether the said child was
born alive or not. Wiseman Claggett, Esquire, was
the King's Attorney, who conducted the prosecu-
tion. The Court were, Theodore Atkinson, Chief
Justice, Thomas Wallingford, Meshech Weare, and
Leverett Hubbard, Justices. She was convicted by
th,e verdict of a jury, and sentenced to be hanged
by the neck until she should be dead. This sen-
tence was executed by Thomas Packer, Sheriff of
the province, on a ridge of high land in a field,
belonging to the south parish, lying on the south
road, and on the road leading to Little-Harbour.
She was buried in the same field, near the bottom
of the hill. A vast concourse of people attended.
1769.
James Nevin, Esquire, one of his Majesty's Coun-
cil and Collector of the customs for this port, died
on the 6th of February, in the sixtieth year of his
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 225
age. He was much respected in his office, the
duties of which he discharged with fidelity. He
was born in Scotland, and was a Post Captain in the
British Navy. John Hughes of Philadelphia, suc-
ceeded him as Collector.
The weather in the months of January and Feb-
ruary was very severe. The river was frequently
filled with ice, which was frozen so intensely near
the shores, that people passed and repassed on it
with safety, between this town and New-Castle.
Theodore Atkinson, jr. one of his Majesty's
Council, and Secretary of the province, departed
this life on Saturday, the 28th of October, aged
thirty-three years; and on the Wednesday follow-
ing, his remains were deposited in the family tomb
at Queen's-Chapel. During the procession minute
guns were fired at Castle William and Mary, and
from his Majesty's ship Beaver in the harbour ; and
every other testimony of respect was shown, which
his public station and private virtues demanded. —
He was the only son of the Honourable Theodore
Atkinson, Chief Justice of the province, and Pres-
ident of the Council. He received his education at
Harvard College, and was graduated in the year
1757. He was mild and obliging in his disposition,
faithful and correct in his official duties, and devout
in the exercises of religion.
Saturday, November 11th. Governor Wentworth
was married by the Rev. Arthur Brown, in Queen's -
Chapel, to Mrs. Frances Atkinson, relict of Theo-
29
^6 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
dore Atkinson, jr. deceased, and daughter of Sam-
uel Wentworth, Esq. of Boston.
On the 13th of December, Governor Wentworth
granted a charter to Dartmouth College, which was
established at Hanover. It took its name from
William, Earl of Dartmouth, one of its principal
benefactors in England.
1770.
The Rev. Samuel Drowne died the 17th of Janu-
ary, in the fiftieth year o^f his age. He was much
esteemed by his people, for his great integrity and
zeal, in the discharge of his duties.
James Mc'Masters and several other persons, hav-
ing violated the nonimportation agreement at Bos-
ton, and finding the popular opinion so strong against
them that they could not sell their goods in that
place, removed to this town, to dispose of them here.
This occasioned great clamour among many of the
inhabitants, at whose request a public meeting was
held on the 11th of April, when it was, among other
things resolved that it would be highly unreasonable
to suffer those persons that have been counteracting
the good intentions of the neighbouring govern-
ments, to come among us and sell their goods. And
that those, who encouraged, aided, or assisted them,
should be esteemed enemies to the town.
Another meeting was held on the 12th July, at
the request of a number of inhabitants, to see what
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 227
resolutions the town would think advisable to adopt
with regard to the late revenue acts, and whether
they shall judge it expedient to continue the impor-
tation and sale of British goods. The subject was
referred to a respectable committee, who reported
at the adjournment on the 24th July ; but the
meeting was dissolved without acting upon it.
On Sunday morning, September 30th, the Rev.
George Whitefield died at Newbury port, in the
56th year of his age. On Tuesday, being the day
of his funeral, all the bells in this town, tolled from
eleven o'clock until nearly sunset, on the occasion.
Mr. Whitefield was born at Gloucester in Eng-
land, in 1714. His father was an innkeeper, and
he was designed for the same employment. *^ He
was distinguished at school, for a retentive memory,
and good elocution." As he approached towards
manhood, he received some serious impressions, and
began to think of qualifying himself for the minis-
try. About the age of eighteen he was admitted a
servitor of Pembroke College, in Oxford ; where he
associated with young persons of the same habits
and disposition with himself ; which served to
'* cherish that religious enthusiasm, to which he was
strongly addicted." He took the degree of Bachel-
Jor of Arts in 1736, and about the same time was
ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Gloucester.
He crossed the Atlantic in 1738, and arrived at
Savannah, in Georgia, in May, where he determin-
ed to erect a seminary upon a charitable foundation.
228 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
for the education of orphan children, which he cal-
led the orphan- house ; and returned to England the
next year to collect money for the purpose. He
was admitted to Priest's orders in 1740, and heing
very popular as a preacher, he commanded large
audiences, wherever he went. Many of the cler-
gy refused him admittance into their pulpits ; and
but few of the churches, to which he had access,
could accommodate the crowds of people, that as-
sembled to hear him ; which compelled him to
preach in the open air. On these occasions he was
sometimes treated with rudeness, but his peculiarly
happy address, generally commanded respectful at-
tention. In 1748, the Countess of Huntington ap-
pointed him her chaplain. ^^ His labours were
incessant." He spent a great part of his time, as
an itinerant preacher, in various parts of England,
Scotland, and North America. He made seven
visits to this country, and travelled from Georgia to
Maine, preaching in every populous town he passed
through to very numerous assemblies. The week
previous to his death, he preached four times in
this town, and on Saturday, at Exeter. As none of
the public buildings in that place, could contain
the people, assembled on the occasion, he offici-
ated in the open air ; and in the afternoon, rode
to Newburyport, where he intended to preach
the next day. But Providence had ordered oth-
erwise. He was much afflicted with the asthma,
and it was supposed that his exertions the day be^
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 229
fore, brought on the paroxysm, which put a period
to his life and usefulness. No clergyman ever pos-
sessed the powers of oratory in a higher degree.
His gestures were graceful, ^' his voice was strong
and musical, his pronunciation clear and distinct, his
imagination was lively, and his feelings were warm.''
These qualifications gave him a most absolute
command of the attention and passions of his
hearers. — He was easy, polite, and engaging in his
manners, facetious and pleasant in conversation,
and sometimes indulged himself in a vein of satire,
where the occasion justified him. His heart was
susceptible of the most tender and generous friend-
ship, and he continually expressed his gratitude to
the Giver of every good and perfect gift, for the
many instances of kindness, which he received from
his fellow men. He never forgot the important bu-
siness in which he was engaged, but embraced every
opportunity that was offered to enforce the truths of
religion, and the practice of virtue ; guarding his
hearers against depending upon the flights of im-
agination, and admonishing them that a holy life is
the best evidence of a state of grace.
Sunday, October 14th, the honourable Benning
VVentworth, late Governor of this province, departed
this life in the 75th year of his age, and on the 19th,
his remains were deposited in his family tomb. — The
regiment of militia attended the funeral under arms,
and St. John's Lodge of free and accepted Masons,
preceded the corpse to Queen's-Chapel, where an
230 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
appropriate discourse was delivered by the Rev.
Arthur Brown, Rector of that church. He was the
son of Lieutenant Governor John Wentvvorth, and
was educated at Harvard College, where he was
graduated in 1715. On leaving College he turned
his attention to trade, and engaged largely in mer-
cantile affairs, which he conducted with great integ-
rity and punctuality. But repeated misfortunes,
that followed in quick succession, obliged him to
retire from business. He represented this town
several years in the General Assembly, and was
afterward one of his Majesty's Council. On the
removal of Governor Belcher, he was appointed
Chief Magistrate of the province. It has been
objected against him, that all the important offices
in the government, were filled by his particular
friends and near connexions. However just this
censure may be, in his administration he was faithful
to the King, and endeavoured to promote the wel-
fare of the people. He was influential in procuring
from the General Assembly a grant of three hun-
dred pounds to Harvard College, towards replacing
their library, which had been destroyed by fire. In
consequence of this donation one of the alcoves in
that extensive library, is marked New-Hampshire.
He was warmly attached to the Episcopal church,
of which he was an exemplary member. He would
have established a College in New-Hampshire, if
it could have been placed under the direction of the
Bishop of London, but his views respecting it did
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 231
not accord with the public sentiment. He after-
wards presented to Dartmouth College, five hundred
acres of land in Hanover, on which the College
edifice and the adjacent buildings are erected.
He continued in office twenty-five years ; which
is a much longer term, than any other Governor in
America, ever held his commission.
1771.
The General Assembly made a grant of one
hundred pounds lawful money to the Rev. Doctor
Wheelock, President of Dartmouth College, in con-
sideration of the expense of his leaving his parish
in Connecticut and removing to this province to
take charge of that institution. The town, on the
29th of March, to signify their entire satisfaction
in the grant, and their cheerful readiness to pay
their full proportion thereof, or of a larger sum if
the Assembly had thought proper to have granted
it — Voted, unanimously, " That the thanks of this
town be given to the honourable Assembly for the
above grant, and that the town-clerk be desired to
present them with a copy of this vote."
The act dividing the province into counties took
effect this year, and half the courts for the county
of Rockingham were removed to Exeter. In the
appointment of Judges, Peter Livius, who had been
a Justice of the Common Pleas, was not reappointed.
232 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Thomas Packer, Esq. died the 22d of June. He
had served in the office of Sheriff of the province
thirty years, and was universally esteemed an up-
right, honest man, faithful in the discharge of the
duties of his office, but rigidly severe in the execu-
tion of it.
The Governor appointed John Parker, Esq. his
successor. And in August the honourable William
Parker was appointed a Justice of the Superior
Court of Judicature, instead of the honourable
Thomas Wallingford, deceased.
Colonel Wallingford was a native of Somersworth,
where he usually resided. In early life he was in
indigent circumstances^ and depended upon manual
labour for his support ; but by industry and econo-
my, rose to wealth and opulence. He engaged in
mercantile business, and was very successful. He
possessed a large real estate in this town, and was
one of the original purchasers of Mason's patent ;
by which he acquired a great landed interest in
various parts of the province. He commanded a re-
giment of militia, and for many years was one of the
Judges of the Superior Court. Being in this town
on business, he was taken sick at a public house, and
died after a few days illness on the 4th of August.
His corpse was removed to Somersworth for inter-
ment.
At the last annual meeting, the town voted to
build a house of correction, in which all idle and
disorderly persons in the town should be confined to
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 233
hard labour, agreeable to law. In pursuance of
which vote, the building was erected in the work-
house yard.
The Collector and Co'itroller of the Customs, seiz-
ed the Brigantine Resolution and her cargo, consist-
ing of one hundred hogsheads of molasses, for not
entering the molasses, and securing the duties ; and
put the same under the care of the officers of the
customs, and caused the same to be libelled before
the Court of Vice Admiralty. But about midnight
following the 29th day of October, a large number of
persons in disguise, armed with clubs, entered and
took possession of the Brigantine, and having con-
fined the officers, proceeded to unlade her. The
Governor issued his proclamation offering a reward
of two hundred dollars for discovering the rioters,
so that they might be convicted.
1772.
Mr. Hughes resided in this town about twelve
months, and then returned to Philadelphia. He
was succeeded as Collector by Robert Hallowell,
Esq. who removed to this town, and continued here
about a year.
Mr. Meserve had been appointed Controller of
the port of Boston, as a compensation for his losses,
and disappointment, in being deprived of the office
of Stamp Master. By permission of the British
government; he and Mr. Hallowell exchanged
30
234 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
offices. Mr. Meserve returned to this town and
executed the office of Collector here.
Mr. Livius resented the neglect^ which he suf-
fered, in not being reappointed a Justice of the
Courtj and being one of the Council, set himself in
opposition to the Governor, and entered his dissent
to questions before the Council. He went to Eng-
land, and exhibited before the Lords of Trade, a
complaint against the Governor and Council, who
were furnished with copies of said complaint, and
appointed agents to attend to their defence.
The honourable Sampson Sheafe was born at
Great-Island in the year 1681 : he was educated at
Harvard College, and was graduated in 1702. Af-
ter he left College he turned his attention to mer-
chandise, and was largely engaged in the fishery,
and West- India trade. He was appointed a Coun-
sellor in 1740, and resigned his seat at the Council-
board in 1761, being then eighty years of age, hav-
ing held the office twenty-one years. He died at
the advanced age of ninety-one years.
1773.
After a full hearing, the board of trade represent-
ed to the King, that the complaint against the Gov-
ernor had been fully verified. But that reports,
which they had received through different channels,
of the situation of affairs within New-Hampshire,
did all concur in representing the colony to have
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 235
been, since Mr. Wentvvorth's appointment, in a
state of peace and prosperity ; that its commerce
had been extended, and the number of its inliabit-
ants increased ; and that every attempt made to
excite the people to disorder and disobedience, had
been, by the firm and temperate conduct of Mr.
Wentworth, suppressed and restrained.
The cause was reheard before a committee of the
privy council, who reported, <' That there was no
foundation for any of the charges, contained in the
complaint against Mr. Wentworth, and that the
general conduct of his administration had tended
greatly to the peace and prosperity of the prov-
ince." Which report was approved by the King.
This acquittal and approbation of the Governor,
gave general satisfaction. The House of Represen-
tatives congratulated him in the name of their con-
stituents ; and the citizens of this town gave a
splendid ball on the occasion to the Governor and
General Assembly.
Mr. Livius was a gentleman of foreign descent,
liberal education and handsome fortune. He came
to this country for the purpose of vesting his prop-
erty in lands. After he left the province, he ob-
tained a lucrative office in Quebec, and never re-
turned here.
The Rev. Arthur Brown, the worthy Rector of
Queen's-Chapel, died at Cambridge the 10th of
June, in the seventy-fourth year of his age ; having
ministered in the church here, thirty-seven years.
His remains were brought to this town, and interred
236 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
in the church-yard. The Rev. Edward Bass, of
Nevvburyport, preached on the sorrowful occasion
to a numerous audience. Mr. Brown possessed a
strong and active mind, improved by education.
He was very attentive to his duties as a clergyman,
and endeavoured to promote the temporal as well as
spiritual interest of the people of his charge. He
sought for objects of poverty and distress among them,
and exerted himself to procure them relief. His
sermons were written with classical correctness, and
delivered with manly eloquence. He was strongly
attached to the ceremonies of the church, and ob-
served them with scrupulous exactness. He claimed
some prerogatives as a parson, which, though usual
in the English church, had never been assumed by
the other ministers here ; this circumstance render-
ed him unpopular with the dissenters, and caused,
them to charge him with bigotry. He was beloved
by his parish, who lamented his death. In a letter
from the church to the society for the propagation
of the gospel in foreign parts, his character is thus
delineated. " Good conduct, a most noble and be-
nevolent disposition, excellent preaching, sound doc-
trines, and good oratory, were qualifications regu-
larly CLxhibited and ever conspicuous in our late
faithful divine." He published four sermons, and
remarks on Doctor Mayhew's incidental reflections.
Andrew Clarkson, Esq. was a native of Scotland,
and was born about the beginning of the present
century. He w^as educated in the Protestant faith,
and was a Presbyterian, but infatuated in his youth
AKNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 237
with the delusion, which possessed many of his
countrymen at that time, he enlisted under the ban-
ners of the pretender, and was an ensign in his
army. After the defeat of the army, many of the
prisoners were treated as rebels. Mr. Clarkson
came to this country in the year 1717, and brought
with him the colours belonging to his company.
He settled in this town as a place of safety, being
then about seventeen or eighteen years of age, and
became a teacher in one of the public schools. He
boarded at the house of Mr. William Cotton, a tan-
ner, at the south part of the town. Mr. Cotton
died, whilst Mr. Clarkson was a member of his fam-
ily, and left a widow and six small children. Mr.
Clarkson married the widow, who was several years
older than himself, took charge of the tan-yard, and
acquired by means of it, a handsome property. He
often spoke of the early transactions of his life,
with regret, but said, he thought at the time, that
his conduct was justifiable. <^'He represented the
town several years in the General Assembly, and
held many other important trusts ; in all of which he
distinguished himself as a firm patriot and friend of
mankind. He possessed an amiable, kind, and be-
nevolent disposition ; was open, honest, and generous
in his conduct, which endeared him to his numerous
friends, and acquaintance. He enjoyed through
life an uncommon serenity and cheerfulness of mind,
resulting from his firm belief of the gospel ; the
precepts of which, he exemplified in his life, and
338 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
fully demonstrated its power, in his resignation at
the prospect of death,"
The honourable Daniel Peirce died the 4th of
December, in the sixty-sixth year of his .ige. He
held the offices of Recorder of Deeds, and Justice of
the Peace many years, and in the year 1766, was
appointed one of iiis Majesty's Council for this
province. Tlie duties of tiiese several offices, he
discharged with great punctuality, and undeviat-
ing rectitude. He was endowed with uncommon
strength of mind, a sound and penetrating judg-
ment, improved by reading and conversation. Al-
though he had not the advantage of a public educa-
tion, the classics were familiar to him. He read
much in divinity, not as a science, but as a rule of
conduct. Doctor Doddridge was his favourite author,
and the maxims deduced from these studies, regulat-
ed him in public and private life. As a counsellor
and magistrate he endeavoured to conform to the
principles of law. He took great pains to obtain
information before he formed an opinion on any
subject ; but having once come to a conclusion, he
adhered to it, with an almost pertinacious firmness ;
but he had the satisfaction of generally judging
right. He was affable, judicious and sensible, and
his friends seldom left him, without being instructed
by his conversation. He was liberal to the poor,
whom he always relieved with cheerfulness ; and
participated with them in the pleasures, which he
communicated by his charity.
Vir Justus, verique tenax.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 239
The British Parliament repealed the duties on
articles imported into America, excepting on tea.
To avoid that imposition the colonies very generally
agreed, not to import or use any tea, while it was
subject to the duty. To obviate this difficulty the
duty was taken off, and the East-India Company was
permitted to ship teas to America on their own ac-
count, for which they were to pay a duty of three
pence per pound on its being landed here. Under
this regulation, teas would be cheaper, than they
formerly were, which circumstance it was thought,
would effect throughout the country, an acquies-
cence in the measures of government. The design
of the ministry to raise a revenue in the colonies
without their consent, was apparent. The objec-
tion was to the principle, not to the amount of the
tax, and the opposition to it was generaj. Almost
every trading town on the sea-coast passed resolu-
tions to prevent the landing of any tea, shipped
to this country by the East-India Company. This
town partook of the same spirit ; and at a public
meeting held the 16th day of December, adopt-
ed the following preamble and resolves.
^' Upon a serious consideration of the late act of
Parliament, subjecting the colonies to pay a duty
upon teas in America, and more especially the act
of Parliament, passed at their last session, whereby
the East-India Company have full power to export
their teas to the colonies, liable to a duty upon be-
ing landed here, it appears manifestly that the latter
240 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
(act) was artfully designed by the ministry to carry
more effectually into execution the former, which
was made for the express purpose of raising a reve-
nue from the colonies by the authority of the British
Parliament only, without our consent. Wherefore,
from a due sense of the value and importance of
our liberties and properties, and from just appre-
hensions of the horrors of slavery, we are induced
to make the following resolves.
First — That the measures of late pursued by the
ministry of Great Britain in their attempt to subject
the colonies to taxation by the sole authority of the
British Parliament, are not only unjust, arbitrary,
and inconsistent with the fundamental principles of
the British constitution, but directly tend to hasten
on the destruction of an empire, which by preserv-
ing in all its parts, those original rights, which first
gave rise to its present glory, might increase in
wealth and power, become the envy of all nations,
and continue in full strength and grandeur for ages
to come ; therefore, in the foregoing view, we can-
not but think ourselves bound by our duty to the
King, and love to the nation of which we are mem-
bers, to oppose such measures to the utmost of our
power.
Secondly — That it is the natural right of men
born and inheriting estates in any part of the Brit-
ish dominions, to have the power of disposing of
their own property, either by themselves or their
representatives.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 241
Thirdly — That the act of the British Parliament^
laying a duty upon teas landed in America, payable
here, is a tax, whereby the property of Americans
is taken from them without their consent.
Fourthly — That notwithstanding the preamble to
the act laying a duty upon teas, asserts that the act
is made for the support of government, the adminis-
tration of Justice, &c. in America, yet this is not
only unnecessary, but has a direct tendency to sub-
vert our constitution, render our assemblies useless,
and the government arbitrary.
Fifthly — That every virtuous and public spirited
freeman ought steadily to oppose to the utmost of
his ability, every artful attack of the ministry to
enslave the Americans.
Sixthly — That the power given by Parliament
to the East-India Company, to send out their teas to
the colonies, subjected to the payment of duties on
being landed here, is a plain attempt to enforce the
ministerial plan, and a direct attack upon the liber-
ties of America, and that it is the indispensable
duty of all true hearted Americans, to render this
effect abortive.
Seventhly — That a union of all the colonies ap-
pears to be the most likely method, under God, of
obtaining a repeal of all those acts, which are so
subversive of the freedom of the British colonies,
and destructive to the whole nation.
Eighthly — That in case any of the Company's
teas should be brought into this port for sale, we
31
242 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
will use every necessary method to prevent its be-
ing landed or sold here.
Ninthly — That whoever shall directly or indi-
rectly promote or in any ways aid and assist in the
importation of any of the East-India Company's
teas, or any teas subject to payment of a duty here,
by an act of the British Parliament, shall be deem-
ed an enemy to America.
Tenthly — That this town do hereby return thpir
thanks, to all their brethren in the several govern-
ments, upon this continent, for their noble exertions
upon this important and alarming occasion.
Eleventhly — That the proceedings of this meet-
ing be published, and sent to every considerable
town in this government ; and that a committee be
chosen to correspond with them, and with the seve-
ral committees in the other governments."
A committee of correspondence, consisting of sev-
en respectable inhabitants, was chosen for the above
purpose.
1774.
April 12th. The town instructed their represen-
tatives to use their influence in the General Assem-
bly, to join with the other colonies in every consti-
tutional method to oppose the claim of Parliament
to tax us without our consent, and to keep up a
continual correspondence with them for that pur-
pose: to abolish the Court of Appeals, and also
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 243
to employ their efforts, that the Justices of the
courts of law should hold their offices during good
behaviour, and not at the will of the crown : that
adequate salaries should be granted to the Justices
of the Superior Court ; that they strenuously op-
pose any salary's being granted to either of the
Justices of the courts of law independent of this
government; that they should take the opinion of
the Judges and some lawyers as to the operation of
any law of consequence, which they are about to
pass ; that good roads be made into the interior part
of the province ; that laws be passed to prohibit the
importation of slaves ; that secure places be provid-
ed for the records of the several offices ; that the
fees in all public offices be established by law ; that
enquiry be made concerning the application of all
money granted fur the use of the government, espe-
cially the powder money ; that the representatives
be chosen annually, and that their doors should be
open to all who choose to hear their debates.
On the 25th of June twenty-seven chests of tea,
subject to the duty, were landed and stored in the
custom-house, before the inhabitants had knowledge
of it. A town-meeting was held on the 27th, which
appointed a guard to keep the tea secure, and to
prevent insults being offered to any individual on
account of it. Upon consultation with Edward Par-
ry, Esq. the consignee, it was agreed that he should
reship the tea, and a committee was chosen to see
this agreement executed. The tea having been
244 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
entered, the consignee paid the duty upon it openly,
which was necessary before it could be reshipped.
The Governor used every precaution to preserve the
peace of the town, and every thing remained quiet.
The tea was reshipped and sent to Halifax.
A committee of inspection was appointed to ex-
amine and find out if any tea should be imported,
and upon the discovery of any, to give the earliest
notice thereof to the town.
Seven deputies were chosen the 15th of July
to meet the deputies from the other towns in the
province, to elect a delegate to the General Con-
gress, which is to meet at Philadelphia the 1st of
September next.
The inhabitants entered into an agreement in
writing, which was generally signed, by which they
pledged their faith and honour, that they will not
import, sell, purchase, or consume any kinds of
East-India teas, nor suffer the same to be used or
consumed in their respective families, until the
present duties be taken off.
September 8th. The ship Fox, commanded by
Captain Zachariah Norman, arrived here, having
on board thirty chests of tea, consigned to Edward
Parry, Esq. ; which caused some disturbance in the
town ; the populace broke the windows of the con-
signee, and he applied to tJie Governor for protec-
tion. The Governor convened the Council, and
required the aid of the magistrates and other civil
officers to suppress the riot, which was soon effected.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 245
The town assembled the next day, and Edward
Parry, Esq. being present, publicly declared that he
would not accept the consignment of said tea, nor
have any thing to do with it ; and Captain Norman
promised, that he would at his own expense reship
said tea, and send it to Halifax. A committee was
appointed to guard the tea, and see it sent off; who
reported that it was shipped on board another ves-
sel ; and that they saw the vessel with the tea on
board outside of Fort-Point.
On the 10th of October, the town " voted to give
two hundred pounds for the relief of the industrious
poor of the towns of Boston and Charlestovvn, under
the oppression, that they now suffer, from the port
of Boston being blocked up by an act of the British
Parliament.''
A very numerous committee was chosen to keep
up the good order and quiet of the town, and to
examine into every matter, that may appear un-
friendly to the interest of the community.
Governor Wentvvorth retained his popularity as
extensively as possible for a person of his situation,
which was extremely critical — for he was placed
between two contending parties, of opposite inter-
ests, and it could not be expected that he would
please both. His wishes were to preserve the union
of the two countries. He was attached to his gov-
ernment, and was desirous of promoting its welfare
as far as he could consistently with his duty to the
King, which he considered paramount to all other
246 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
obligations. A circumstance took place, which les-
sened him in the estimation of the people. The
troops at Boston were destitute of barracks, and the
carpenters there refused assistance in building them.
General Gage applied to Wentworth to procure
workmen, and he secretly employed an agent to
hire carpenters to construct the barracks. As soon
as it was known, his conduct was severely censured,
and the committee of safety, of which his Uncle
Hunking Wentworth, Esq. was chairman, declared
that the person guilty of such conduct was " an
enemy to the community." From this time his
influence declined; and he retained only the shad-
ow of authority. The real power was transferred
to the committee of safety ; and their orders were
implicitly obeyed.
The proceedings of the General Congress were
published in every part of the country, and receiv-
ed with approbation. They made a declaration of
their rights, stated their grievances, and entered
into an association, suspending all commercial inter-
course with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West-
Indies. When these proceedings were laid before
this town, they voted unanimously, " That they did
cordially accede to the just state of the rights and
grievances of the British colonies, and of the meas-
ures adopted and recommended by the American
Continental Congress, for the restoration and estab-
lishment of the former, and for the redress of the
latter. They voted, << that the association strictly
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 247
adhered to, would in their opinion, prove the most
peaceable and successful method, for the removal of
the distresses these colonies are labouring under,
and the restoration of their violated rights ; there-
fore they cheerfully adopted, and would punctually
and religiously execute the same as far as in them
lies." A committee of twenty-five persons was cho-
sen, <^ to observe the conduct of all persons, touch-
ing the association, that every person within the lim-
its of their appointment, conform to the same ; and
if any should be hardy enough to violate it, in such
case the majority of the committee shall forthwith
cause the truth of the case to be published in the Ga-
zette, according to the recommendation of Congress."
And <^ lest some, for sordid gain, should be tempted
to violate the association, they recommended a non-
consumption, as the best guard against any infraction
of the nonimportation agreement." They bore
*' testimony against every species of gambling, and
recommended industry and frugality to the inhabi-
tants."
Amongst other systems of economy, which were
adopted, the regulation of funerals was one of the
most important. They were usually attended with
great expense, often beyond the ability of the sur-
vivors of the family to meet. All the connexions
were obliged to dress in a full suit of mourning 5
enamelled rings were distributed to the near rela-
tions ; gloves and rings were given to the pall-bear-
ers and to the clergyman, who officiated at the grave,
24 S ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
In many instances escutcheons, with the family
armorial bearings painted on silk, were laid on the
coffin, placed over the door, and sent to the particu-
lar friends of the deceased. By general consent
these expenses were dispensed with, and instead of
them, gentlemen wore black crape round the left
arm, and ladies, black ribbons, as badges of mourn-
ing.
An order had been passed by the King in Coun-
cil, prohibiting the exportation of gun-powder and
military stores to America. The committee of safe-
ty received a copy of it by express from Boston,
the 13th of December. They collected a company
with great secrecy and dispatch, who went to Fort
William and Mary at New-Castle, under the direc-
tion of Major John Sullivan and Captain John Lang-
don, confined the Captain of the fort, and his five
men, and brought off one hundred barrels of gun-
powder. The next day another company brought
off fifteen of the lightest cannon, all the small arms,
and some warlike stores.
The Corporation of Harvard College made choice
of the Rev. Doctor Langdon, as President of that
institution. After due consideration, and by advice
of his friends, he accepted the appointment. His
parish was strongly attached to him, and consented
to the separation very reluctantly. The connexion
between them was dissolved, on the ninth of Octo-
ber. He was born in Boston in 1722, of respecta-
ble parents, though not opulent. He discovered
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 249
early marks of genius, which he improved by dili-
gent application to study, while a pupil in the north
grammar-school, where he laid tlie foundation of his
future learning. His amiable disposition procured
him many friends, who assisted him in obtaining an
education at Harvard College, where he was graduat-
ed in 1740, with a high reputation as a scholar. He
came to this town soon after, and had the charge of
the grammar-school. His government and disci-
pline in school were severe, but as the children
improved under his instruction, he very generally
met the approbation of their parents. In 1745, he
was appointed Chaplain of Colonel Meserve's regi-
ment, and was present at the capture of Louisburg;
after his return, he was invited to preach at the
north parish, as assistant to Mr. Fitch, whom he suc-
ceeded in the ministry in the year 1747. He
protracted a map of New-Hampshire, in company
with Colonel Blanchard, which they published in
1761, and inscribed it to the honourable Charles
Townsend, Secretary at war. In return for this
compliment, the Secretary obtained for Mr. Lang-
don a degree of Doctor in Divinity, from the Uni-
versity of Aberdeen, in Scotland. On the formation
of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in
Massachusetts, he became a member. Doctor Lang-
don's publications are numerous. A thanksgiving
sermon, preached at his own parish in 1759, on the
anniversary of the birth day of his Majesty King
George the 2d, entitled Joy and gratitude to God
32
250 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
for the long life of a good King, and the conquest of
Quebec, from the 21st psalm, is said '^ to be one of the
best occasional discourses extant/*' Doctor Langdon
professed to be a Trinitarian, and a Calvinist, in his
religious sentiments. In politics, he was zealously
attached to the cause of his country.
Doctor Langdon's situation at Cambridge soon be-
came unpleasant. Some of the most respectable offi-
cers of that institution conceived a strong prejudice
against him, and he was not treated with that re-
spect, which his character deserved. He resigned
his office in 1780, and the following January, was
installed over the church at Hamptonfalls j where
he spent the residue of his days in usefulness and
peace ; a blessing to the people of his charge, and
happy in the enjoyment of their aiTection and re-
spect.
1775.
A convention was holden at Exeter, on the 25th
of January, to vvhich this town sent seven deputies
for the purpose of choosing delegates to the General
Congress, which was to meet at Philadelphia the
10th of May.
The Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace, at
February term, at the request of the selectmen,
laid out a highway to the ferry, through land of
John Rindge, Esquire, at the north end, twenty-five
feet wide ; and awarded him the sum of seventy
pounds for the same.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 251
The British troops commenced hostilities, by fir-
ing on the people, collected at Lexington, in Mas-
sachusetts, the 19th of April. The news of this
attack spread rapidly through the country. This
town met on the 20th to consider what measures are
most expedient to be taken at this alarming crisis.
They recommended every man to furnish himself
with a good firelock, bayonet, powder, and balls,
and every other requisite for defence ; that they
form themselves into companies, and obtain what
instruction they can in the military art ; that one
hundred men be enlisted, and properly equipped to
march at a minute's warning ; that they divide
themselves into two companies of fifty men each,
choose their own ofHcers, and enter into such agree-
ments, as that the strictest subordination and disci-
pline be preserved among them. They then chose
a committee to consult with the provincial commit-
tee, and adopt such measures as they shall judge
necessary. They voted to use their utmost endeav-
ours to keep up good order and peace in the town :
to support all civil officers, and pay ready obedience
to the law, to avoid the horror and confusion,
which a contrary conduct may produce. And as
groundless reports and false rumours had prevailed^
that the person or property of his Excellency John
Wentworth was in danger, it was unanimously vot-
ed, " that we, the inhabitants of this town, will use
our utmost endeavours to prevent any insult being
offered to his person or dignity, and that we will take
252 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
every method in our power, to assist and support
him in tlie due and legal exercise of his authority/'
A committee was chosen to wait upon the Governor
with the above vote.
Governor Wentworth still retained the hope, that
all difficulties between the two countries might be
adjusted ; and in his speech to the Assembly on the
4th of May, he desired them to adopt ^'such meas-
ures as might tend to secure their peace and safety,
and effectually lead to a restoration of the public
tranquillity, and an affectionate reconciliation with
the mother country." He laid before them Lord
North's conciliatory proposition. The House re-
quested a short adjournment to give them an oppor-
tunity to consult their constituents, to which the
Governor consented, and adjourned them to the 12th
of June.
The Scarborough, ship of war, commanded by Cap-
tain Barclay, lay in the harbour, and had dismantled
the fort. She seized two vessels laden with pro-
visions, which were coming into the harbour. The
inhabitants remonstrated against this proceeding, and
the Governor solicited Captain Barclay to release
them, but he refused, and sent them to Boston, un-
der convoy of the Canseau, for the use of the King's
forces there. A body of armed men irritated by
these proceedings, brought off from the battery at
Jerry's point on Great-Island, twenty-eight cannon
of twenty-four and thirty-two pounders, which they
safely landed in this town.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 253
A convention met at Exeter the 17th of May,
chosen for six months, to which this town sent five
deputies ; who were authorized to adopt and pursue
such measures, as may be judged most expedient, to
preserve and restore the rights of the colonies.
This convention gave instructions to the representa-
tives, which were regarded as the advice of their
constituents.
The Assembly met, according to adjournment, on
the 12th of June. The representatives were elected
by virtue of writs, issued by the Sheriff to such towns
as the Governor directed. Three new towns were
called upon to send representatives, in which some
of the Governors particular friends resided, who
w^ould probably be elected, whilst other towns more
numerous, were neglected. The first act of the
Assembly was to expel the members from the three
new towns, agreeable to the advice of the conven-
tion. Upon whieh, the Governor adjourned the
Assembly to the 11th of July. One of the new
members was Captain John Fenton, who was return-
ed from the town of Plymouth. He had been a
Captain in the British army, but had disposed of his
commission. On the division of the province into
counties, he was appointed Clerk of the Inferior
Court of Common Pleas for the county of Grafton,
and Judge of Probate for that county ; he kept his
ofiice and resided in this town. After his expul-
sion, he gave vent to his passions, and expressed
himself very freely as to the measures, pursued by
254 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the country. This enraged the populace, who col-
lected to assault him, and he fled to the Governor's
house for protection. They brought a field- piece,
mounted, and placed it before the door, and threat-
ened to discharge it, if he were not delivered up.
Fenton surrendered, and was sent to the committee
of safety at Exeter, for trial. The Governor con-
ceived this to be an insult offered to himself, and
immediately took refuge in the fort.
Captain Barclay continued the practice of seizing
all vessels, entering the harbour, and sending them
to Boston. He likewise stopped all boats from go-
ing out of the river to take fish, under pretence
that his orders to execute the act, restraining trade,
required it. In retaliation his boats were not per-
mitted to come up to town for provisions, and one of
them was fired upon by the guard, placed near the
shore ; the boat returned the fire, and several shot
were exchanged without damage on either side.
The town passed a vote, disapproving the action,
and sent a copy of it to Captain Barclay.
Governor Wentworth sent a message from the fort
to the Assembly on the 11th of July, and adjourned
them to the 28th of September. On the 24th of
August, he took passage in the Scarborough for
Boston.
After the departure of the ships of war from the
harbour, the convention appointed Major Ezekiel
Worthen, engineer ; and under his direction, the
people formed themselves into volunteer companies,
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 255
in which almost every individual took a part;
they built two forts on two islands at the narrows,
which commanded the channel, and planted there
the cannon, which had been taken from the fort and
battery.
Governor Wentworth came to the Isles-of- Shoals,
and prorogued the General Assembly to the month
of April. This was his last official act within the
province; and the royal government in New-Hamp-
shire entirely ceased. Governor Wentworth was
educated at Harvard College, and was graduated in
the year 1755. He was distinguished for the bril-
liancy of his talents, a good classical taste in litera-
ture, and for those amiable qualities, which gained
him the esteem of all who knew him. He spent some
time in his father's compting house, after he left
College, to obtain an insight into mercantile busi-
ness, and then went to London, where he resided
several years, and until he was appointed Governor
of the province. He received the degree of Doctor
of Laws from the Universities of Oxford in England,
and Aberdeen in Scotland. He was the friend of
learning and of learned men. Dartmouth College was
established during his administration, and flourished
under his patronage. His constant endeavour was
to promote the interest of the province, and through
his influence its settlements rapidly increased. He
did all in his power to preserve the union between
this country and Great Britain, but was obliged to
yield to the spijrit of the times, and submit to a sep-
256 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
aration. The Rev. Doctor Dwight, in his travels,
says, ^^ Governor Wentworth was the greatest ben-
efactor to the province of New-Hampshire, men-
tioned in its history. He was a man of sound
understanding, refined taste, enlarged views, and a
dignified spirit. His manners also were elegant,
and his disposition enterprising. Agriculture in
this province, owed more to him, than to any other
man. He also originated the formation of new
roads, and the improvement of old ones. All these
circumstances rendered him very popular: and he
would probably have continued to increase his rep-
utation, had he not been prevented by the contro-
versy between Great Britain and the colonies. As
the case was, he retired from the chair with an un-
impeachable character, and with higher reputation
than any other man, who at that time held the same
ofilce in this country.'^ Soon after he left this
province, he went to England, and was there creat-
ed a Baronet, and was appointed Lieutenant Gov-
ernor of the British province of New-Brunswick.
October 18th, Several British armed vessels,
commanded by Captain Mowat, set fire to, and
partly consumed the town of Falmouth. It was
expected that they would proceed to this town for
a similar purpose. The inhabitants were in con-
tinual alarm for several days. A violent storm
prevented the ships from going to sea. Sunday
morning the 22d, the wind changed, and the
weather became pleasant. Every thing in town
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 257
was in the greatest confusion. A great number of
teams from the neighbouring towns, came to the as-
sistance of the inhabitants, who generally sent their
goods and furniture to a distance for security ; and
many, not thinking themselves safe here, removed
their families into the country, and remained there
till the spring. Brigadier General Sullivan was
sent by General Washington, to take command of
the militia, and defend the harbour.
The provincial convention at Exeter determined
that the public offices, which had always been kept
in this town, should be removed to Exeter, as a
place of greater security. They appointed Ebene-
zer Thompson, Secretary, instead of Theodore At-
kinson, Samuel Brooks, Recorder of Deeds, and
Nicholas Gilraan, Treasurer, instead of George Jaf-
frey.
The convention just before the expiration of their
term, issued writs to the several towns in the prov-
ince, to send representatives to a provincial Con-
gress, which was to meet at Exeter on the 21 st of
December. The members were chosen for one
year, and authorized to transact such business, and
pursue sueh measures, as they should judge necessa-
ry for the public good, and to resolve themselves
into a House of Representatives, if such a form of
government should be recommended by the General
Congress. This town sent three representatives.
The number of inhabitants in this town were com-
puted at four thousand, five hundred and ninety.
33
258 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The war put at end to all commercial intercourse
with Great Britain and its dependencies, with whom
the trade of this town had been almost exclusively
carried on. Lumber, beef, fish, oil, and live stock,
were the principal exports, and these were general-
ly sent to the British West-India islands ; and in
return, rum, sugar, molasses, and coffee, were
brought back. Ship-building was carried on ex-
tensively on the several branches of the river, for
merchants in this town, who paid the builders prin-
cipally in goods. The ships were sent to the West-
Indies, their cargoes disposed of, and the proceeds
remitted here in smaller vessels. A cargo of sugar
was sent on freight in the same ships to England,
where they were sold, and the proceeds, with the
freight money, were paid to the merchants there for
cordage, anchors, canvas, and other goods, which
they had advanced on credit the preceding year.
Some merchants in this town built and sent off in
this manner, ten or twelve, and in one instance,
thirteen ships in a year. They were usually from
two to three hundred tons burthen. This was prof-
itable business, and left, at the commencement of
the war, %. large balance due to the merchants in
Portsmouth. Considerable trade was carried on
with the southern provinces, where corn, rice, flour,
pork, and naval stores, were received in exchange
for West-India goods.
In all the royal grants of land, the pine-trees of cer-
tain dimensions were reserved for the use of the navy.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 259
Agents were employed to procure these trees to be
roughly formed into masts and spars, and delivered
here, ready for shipping; government sent ships to
transport them to the places, where they were want-
ed. Several of these mast-ships have been laden
here in a year. The agents made large fortunes by
this business ; but the labourers, who felled the
trees, and brought them to market, were always
poor and dependant. Husbandry was much neg-
lected by those, who followed the lumber trade.
Corn and pork were not raised in sufficient quanti-
ties for the consumption of the country. These
articles were imported from Connecticut, and other
southern ports.
No manufactories of any importance had been
established in this town. Works for refining sugar,
and a brewery were set up, but they did not suc-
ceed. There were three ropewalks, but these were
insufficient to the demand for cordage. Four or
five tan yards supplied the town with leather, but
very small quantities of it were exported. The
saw-mill, erected by Mr. Cutt at the head of Isling-
ton-Creek, was taken down, after the timber in the
neighbourhood had been cut away. The grist-mill
was suffered to decay, after Mr. Livius built his
mills at the entrance of the creek.
About the beginning of the eighteenth century,
Mr. John Pray erected a wind-mill on the hill, op-
posite to the place where the gaol now stands, which
was afterwards called wind-mill hill. It stood near-
ly fifty years.
^60 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
A ship, or brig was loaded early in the season
every year at the Isles-of-Shoals for the Bilboa
market, with fish of a superior quality, caught in
the months of December, January, and February in
the open sea, several leagues from the coast. This
species of fish is very distinctly marked — The backs
are of a grey colour, the bellies, white ; it ap-
pears only in the winter montlis, and does not mix
with other species of the codfish ; its shape is also
different. Of this kind or species of fish, is pre-
pared the dumb or dun fish, for which the Isles-
of-Shoals have been so long celebrated. It is
not fit for use, till the month of August, when,
after undergoing a fermentation, it changes its co-
lour, and assumes an earthy hue ; at which time
it is sold for double the price of other fish. It is a
singular fact, or supposed fact, that the difl'erent
species of codfish, keep in separate shoals ; so that
a good judge of fish can, on inspection, say with
considerable accuracy that this fish was caught in
shore near the rocks ; that on Cashees-Ledge — This
at Cape Sables, and another sort, at New-Foundland
banks ; but why this excellent fish should visit our
cold coast in winter, whether in search of smaller
fish, or for feeding on the sea-grass, it is difiicult to
determine.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 261
1776.
Matthew Livermore was born at Watertown, in
Massachusetts, the 14th of January, 1703, and was
educated at Harvard College, where he was gradu-
ated in 1722. The selectmen had applied to the
oflicers of the College, to send them a young gradu-
ate, qualified to teach a grammar-school, who was
willing to engage in that business, for ten years.
They recommended Mr. Livermore, who came here
in 1724, but stated to the selectmen his intention of
studying law, and reserved liberty to quit the school
as soon as he was qualified for admission to the bar.
He continued to instruct the school seven years, and
was sworn as an attorney at law, in 1731. There
was at that time no regularly educated lawyer in
this town, and soon after Mr. Livermore's admission,
Governor Belcher appointed him Attorney-General
for the province, and Advocate for the King in the
Courts of Admiralty. This ofiice was very lucra-
tive, and Mr. Livermore stated to the Governor,
that he would not accept the ofiice of Attorney-
General, which was vexatious and unprofitable,
unless ho could likewise be appointed Advocate.
His sensibility was much excited, when in the
course of his official duties, he was instrumental in
procuring the capital punishment of any of his fel-
low creatures ; and during his practice, he was three
times called to discharge this painful task. He was
correct in his practice, and faithful to his clients.
262 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
He regarded the profession, as honourable and use-
ful, but more exposed than many others to powerful
seductions from the paths of moral rectitude. He
was serious in his deportment, exemplary in his
conduct, and firm in his belief of the truths of the
gospel. His infirmities, both of body and mind,
disqualified him from attending to any business sev-
eral years before his death, which took place on
the 14th of February, the present year.
The provincial Congress adopted a form of gov-
ernment, in which the legislative and executive
powers were vested in a Council and House of Rep-
resentatives. Notwithstanding they were author-
ised to take this step by their several constituents,
a number of persons here, alarmed at this pro-
ceeding, procured a meeting to be called, and re-
monstrated against their establishing any government
at present, lest it should be construed as a design to
throw off their allegiance to Great Britain, and be-
come independent, and they should thereby forfeit
the friendship of thoie, who had espoused the Amer-
ican cause in England.
The Raliegh, a frigate, pierced for 32 guns, was
launched here on the 21st day of May. She was
built at the north end on Rindge's wharf, under the
inspection of Thomas Thompson, Esq. by Messrs.
Hackett, Hill, and Paul, master builders, and her hull
was completed in sixty days after her keel was
laid.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 263
On the 4th of July, Congress published the dec-
claration of Independence ; which was received in
this town with lively expressions of joy, notwith-
standing their former votes. It was publicly pro-
claimed here on the 18th.
Since Doctor Langdon left the north parish^ the
desk had been supplied by various persons. This
year they invited the Rev. David Mc'Clure to
settle with them as their pastor, but as there was
considerable division in the parish, he declined
accepting the invitation.
1777.
The Rev. Ezra Stiles, D. D. pastor of a church
at Newport, had been obliged to leave his people,
when the British troops took possession of that
place. The north parish requested him to supply
their desk, and carry on the work of the ministry
with them, which he agreed to do for one year,
unless he should be able to return to his people at
Newport before the expiration of that term. He
preached his first sermon here the 6th of April, and
removed his family to this place in May follow-
ing. The parish had procured a house for their
accommodation, and received them with " kindness
and hospitality."
On the 2d of June, towards the close of the day,
heavy showers of rain arose, attended with thunder
and lightning. Mrs. Catherine Clark, who lived at
264 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the north end of the town, went to a window,
which she opened, to observe the motion of the
clouds, and was struck with a flash of lightning,
which instantly killed her.
July 17th. The General Court divided the whole
militia of the state into two brigades ; and gave the
command of the first to William Whipple, and of
the second, to John Stark. In the month of August,
Brigadier General Whipple marched with a great
part of his brigade, and a large number of volun-
teers to the northern army, to oppose Burgoyne.
He surrendered soon after their arrival in camp,
and General Whipple was selected as one of the
officers to guard the captive troops to winter-hill
near Boston, the place of their destination.
Major Edward Sherburne, Aid de Camp to Gen-
eral Sullivan, was killed in the attack made on the
British army at Germantown, the 4th of October.
The Ranger, of 18 guns, was built on Langdon's
Island, by order of Congress, under the direction of
Colonel James Hackett.
1778.
March 16th. The town determined to establish a
hospital for inoculating persons with small-pox. A
committee was appointed to apply to the committee
of safety for leave to inoculate, which was granted.
The Pest, Henzell's, and Salter's Islands, were fix-
ed upon, as suitable places for the hospital. Regu-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 265
lations were established for the government of it,
and the whole was put under the care of a commit-
tee, who were to give permission to the surgeons,
or physicians, to inoculate. No person was allowed
to visit the hospital without leave from the commit-
tee, nor to be inoculated without a written license
from them ; and previous to obtaining the license,
he was obliged to deposit in the hands of the com-
mittee a sum sufficient to defray all the expense.
No person was allowed to leave the hospital in less
than twenty-one days after inoculation, nor until
he had procured a certificate from his physician,
that he was free from infection, and was thoroughly
cleansed by a person, appointed for that purpose by
the committee. The physicians were allowed eight
dollars for each patient under their care, excepting
every tenth person, who was a pauper sent by the
committee, and who was inoculated and attended
through the disorder gratis. There were two clas-
ses carried through this disorder, containing about
four hundred and twelve persons in all, at the ex-
pense of sixteen dollars each.
In the month of June, Nathaniel Adams and John
Parker, jr. completed a survey of the town, and
made a plan of it. At their request the town
appointed a committee to name the streets, which
was accordingly done, and the names entered on
the plan. They presented the plan to the select-
men for the use of the town, who placed it in Union
Hall.
34
266 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
A detachment of militia under General Whipple,
accompanied by a large number of volunteers from
this town, joined General Sullivan in the invasion
of Rhode-Island, which was in possession of the
British.
Doctor Stiles had been elected President of Yale
College in Connecticut, of which he received, offi-
cial information the last autumn. Whilst he had
this appointment under consideration, the north
church and parish on the 27th of January, unani-
mously invited him to settle with them in the work
of the ministry. On the 18th of March, he informed
the society, that he had concluded to accept the
presidency, and should be obliged to quit them.
About the middle of June, he took leave of his
friends here, gratefully acknowledging the many
favours and testimonies of their friendship and
affection, and removed with his family to New-
Haven.
He was born at Nortli-Haven, in Connecticut, the
10th of December, 1727, was educated at Yale
College, and was graduated in 1746, and at that time,
^^ he was esteemed one of the most perfect scholars,
that had ever received the honours of that semina-
ry." He was chosen a tutor in 1749, and having
made some proficiency in the study of divinity,
commenced preaching. He had a fine classical
taste, and a familiar acquaintance with the latin
language, which he wrote with great facility in a
pure and elegant style. He was troubled with a
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 267
hectic complaint, on which account he found preach-
ing prejudicial to him. He therefore determined
to quit that profession, and turned his attention to
the law. He was admitted to the bar in 1753, and
continued in the practice of the law two years ;
during which time he pursued his studies with un-
remitted perseverance for the purpose of gaining an
extensive knowledge of that science. In May 1755,
the second church and congregation in Newport
gave him an unanimous call to settle with them in
the ministry, which, by the advice of his friends, he
accepted. In 1765, he received the degree of Doc-
tor in Divinity from the University of f^dinburgh.
He continued at Newport until his congregation
were dispersed by the British taking possession of
that place in 1776. The next spring he removed
to this town. His great learning and eloquence, his
easy and polite address made him very popular, and
the people parted with him with great reluctance.
He was an accomplished gentleman ; alFable, mild,
and pleasing in his manners, and entertaining in
conversation ; his company was courted by all ranks
and ages in society. ^' Doctor Stiles had every lit-
erary honour, which his country could bestow upon
him ; was»a member of many learned societies abroad,
and was the intimate friend and correspondent of
the first characters in Europe and America.'^
Doctor Stiles died at New-Haven, the 12th of
May, 1795.
268 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1779.
After Doctor Stiles left the north parish, they
invited Joseph Buckminster to settle with them in
the ministry ; which invitation he accepted. He
was ordained the 27th of January.
Congress had recommended to the several states
*^ to confiscate and make sale of all the real and per-
sonal estates of such of their inhabitants, and other
persons as had forfeited the same, and the right to
the protection of their respective states ; and to
invest the money, arising from the sales, in con-
tinental loan certificates, to be appropriated as the
respective states should direct." This subject came
before the legislature of New-Hampshire in the
month of March, and they were proceeding to car-
ry this recommendation into efl'ect. At the request
of thirty very respectable inhabitants, a town-meet-
ing was notified and very fully attended, as soon as it
was understood that the General Court were about
adopting this measure. The town remonstrated
against it in the strongest terms. To shew the im-
policy of the measure, they stated that the balance
due from Great Britain to this state, was very large ;
that the British government would retain' that bal-
ance to the ruin of many worthy citizens, who re-
mained among us ; that the real estate belonging to
British subjects was permanent, and increasing in
value, and always under the controul of the state ;
but when sold, the proceeds would be liable to era-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 269
bezzlement, or to be otherwise lost. With respect
to the absentees, it was unjust to condemn them un-
heard ; and to confiscate their property without a tri-
al, was contrary to the principles of civil liberty, for
which we were contending. The town instructed
their representatives to use their influence against
passing the act, or if it were already passed, to en-
deavour to procure its repeal.
The Honourable Theodore Atkinson departed
this life on the 22d September, aged eighty-two
years. He was the son of the Honourable Theo-
dore Atkinson, was born at Nev;- Castle, December
20th, 1697, and was educated at Harvard College,
where he was graduated in 1718. Soon after he
left college, he received a commission as Lieutenant
at the fort, and in 1720 was appointed Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas, which office he held seve-
ral years, and during that time, made himself ac-
quainted with the forms of legal proceedings, and
was afterwards admitted to practice, as an Attorney
at law. Before he was thirty years of age, he was
sent to Canada, as one of the commissioners to pro-
cure the release of the prisoners, and to remonstrate
with the Governor of that province, against his
exciting the Indians to war. For many years he
had the command of the first regiment of militia in
the province, and was several times called into actu-
al service, during the war with the French and
Indians. He held the offices of Collector of the
Customs^ Naval Officer and Sheriff of the province.
270 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
In 1734, he was admitted to a seat in the Council,
and in 1741, was appointed Secretary of the prov-
ince ; which office he resigned after several years,
in favour of his son, who succeeded him. He was
one of the delegates to the Congress, which met at
Albany in June 1754. Immediately on his return,
he was appointed Chief Justice of the Superior
Court of Judicature, and after the death qf his son
in 1769, was reappointed Secretary of the prov-
ince; and continued to exercise these offices until
the revolution. Colonel Atkinson was a person of
intelligence and lively imagination ; he was remark-
ably fond of wit and repartee, and on this account
encouraged a familiarity with persons of the same
habits and disposition, notwithstanding a difference
in rank or station in life, or a dissimilarity in other
respects. This induced him to take a person named
Joseph Moses with him as a waiter, when he was sent
as Commissary to the army ; he knew very well that
Moses would not be obsequious as a servant, but would
afford him amusement by his wit. Captain John
Chamberlain, the representative from Merrimack,
was of this character ; Colonel Atkinson once asked
him what had been done with a certain act which
had been sent down from the Council ; Chamberlain
told him, that there were objections to it in the
House, and that it would not pass. Atkinson said
'' I wish you were all in Heaven." Chamberlain
replied, I should have no objection, only that it
would be an eternal separation from the honourable
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 271
his Majesty's Council. In his last will he gave a
legacy of two hundred pounds sterling to the Epis-
copal church in this town, the interest of which he
ordered to be expended in bread, which was to be
distributed on Sunday to the poor of the parish.
1780.
The 19th day of May was remarkable for its un-
common darkness. The morning was cloudy, at-
tended with a little rain. Between ten and eleven
o'clock the darkness increased, and began to assume
the appearance of evening. Fowls went to roost,
and cattle collected round the barn-yards, as at the
approach of night. Before noon it became so dark,
as to be difficult to read without a candle ; and
lights were necessary at dinner, and to transact the
ordinary work of a family through the afternoon.
The evening was enveloped in total darkness ; the
sky could not be distinguished from the ground.
The clouds began to separate, and the vapours to
disperse a little before midnight, and some glimmer-
ings of light appeared. The next morning was
cloudy, but not unusually dark.
For several weeks previous there had been exten-
sive fires in the woods, and the westerly wind had
driven the smoke and cinders, with which the air
was charged, all over the country. On the morning
of the 19th, the wind came in various directions,
but principally from the east ward; and brought with
272 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
it a thick fog ; these counter currents meeting, stop-
ped the progress of the clouds, and formed different
strata of them : and as light is always reflected from
the surface, they became more impervious to it,
than a more dense cloud, which presents only one
surface. The atmosphere was likewise filled with
clouds of smoke and cinders, as well as with vapour,
which gave them a dirty yellowish hue. Pieces of
burnt leaves were continually falling, and " the rain
water was covered with a sooty scum." The dark-
ness extended throughout New-England, and was*
observed several leagues at sea.
1781.
The Honourable William Parker departed this
life April 29th, aged seventy-seven. He was born
in this town in the year 1703, received the rudi-
ments of his education in one of the public schools,
and, at the age of fifteen, became an apprentice to
his father, who was a tanner. He made himself
thoroughly acquainted with that business, but re-
linquished it soon after he came of age, and was
employed for several years as master of one of the
public schools. In his leisure hours he pursued
the study of the law, and was admitted to the bar
in the year 1732. When the commissioners met at
Hampton in 1737, to settle the line between this
province and Massachusetts^ they appointed him
their Clerk. He afterwards received a commission
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 273
from Governor Belcher to be Register of Probate,
and his knowledge of the law, enabled him to dis-
charge the duties of that office with great ability.
He was also appointed Surrogate Judge of Admiral-
ty, and was for many years, the only notary public
in the province. In 1765, he was elected one of
the representatives to the General Assembly, and
was reelected every year afterwards until 1774. In
August 1771, he received a commission, appointing
him one of the Justices of the Superior Court of
Judicature, for the province ; which office he held
until the commencement of the revolution, when
the royal authority ceased here, and all who held
offices under the King, were obliged to relinquish
them. Judge Parker was esteemed a well read and
accurate lawyer ; he had diligefitly studied the law,
not only as a profession, but as a science. While at
the bar he was consulted and his advice relied on in
the most important cases, which came before the
Courts. But his studies were not confined entirely
to the law. He gave much of his attention to clas-
sical literature, and the belles-lettres, in which he
made great proficiency. In 1763, the corporation
of Harvard College, conferred on him the degree of
Master of Arts, and in their vote, they direct it to
be expressly mentioned in his diploma ^^ pro meritis
suiSf although he never had a public education."
In his diploma it is expressed " licet non Academiae
instructum, Generosum, nihil ominus in rebus litera-
riis scil : Classicis Philosophicis, &c, egregie erudi-
35
274 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH,
turn." He became very early a professor of reli-
gion, and was admitted a member of the north
church, of which he was afterwards one of the dea-
cons.
On the 15th of March about noon, the town was
alarmed by the cry of fire ; which broke out in the
barn of Nathaniel Treadwell, situated on Fetter-
lane. It was kindled by some children, who were
playing with fire in the barn. The flames commu-
nicated to Mr. Treadwell's house, which was entire-
ly consumed. From his house they extended across
the lane, to the gaol which stood at the corner of
Prison and Fetter-lane, which was likewise consum-
ed. The stable, wood-house, and other buildings of
the honourable Woodbury Langdon, which stood
near the gaol, took fire, and together with his dvvel-
ling house, were laid in ashes. The gaol, being
built of oak timber, made the fire intensely hot ;
and it was with difiiculty, that the engine men could
support the heat a few minutes at a time, to prevent
Colonel Whipple's house from taking fire. But
being frequently relieved, they kept a continual
stream of water pouring on the end of the house
next to the gaol, and by that means arrested its pro-
gress.
1782.
March 25th. The town gave permission to the
Physicians, Ammi R. Cutter, Joshua Bracket^ Hall
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 275
Jackson, and John Jackson, to open a hospital
on Henzell's Island, under such rules and regula-
tions as shall secure the town from danger, provided
said hospital shall be no expense to the town.
On the 3d of June the town remonstrated against
the act passed at the last session of the General
Court, for confiscating the estates of British subjects
and absentees, as impolitic and unjust ; and instruct-
ed their representatives to use their most strenuous
endeavours to obtain its repeal.
The gentlemen of the town, upon the recommen-
dation of the General Assembly, appointed Thurs-
day the 20th of June, for the celebration of the
birth of the Dauphin of France; as a compliment
to his most Christian Majesty, the great Ally of the
United States. The day was ushered in by the
ringing of bells, and display of colours. At noon, a
salute was fired from the forts, and answered by the
batteries in town. A large collection of gentlemen
partook of a cold collation at the State-house, and
drank some suitable toasts, prepared for the occa-
sion, which were accompanied by the discharge of
cannon. At sunset the salutes were repeated by
the forts and batteries. In the evening the ship
America, then on the stocks, was beautifully deoo-
rated and illuminated ; various kinds of fire-works
were displayed, and every method was adopted to
express the joy of the inhabitants on this auspicious
event.
276 ANNALS OP PORTSMOUTH.
The ship America, pierced for 74 guns, was
launched on Tuesday the 3th day of November, at
Rising- Castle, an island belonging to the honourable
John Langdon, who was the agent for building her.
She moved majestically on her ways to her destined
element, without any accident, amidst the rejoicings
of an immense number of spectators, who lined the
shores ; this ship does great credit to Colonel James
Hackett, the master builder, and the other workmen
employed in constructing her. Congress, finding it
difficult to procure materials for completing her
for sea, made a present of her to the King of
France.
On Thursday night, the 7th of November, a vio-
lent thunder storm arose, which did considerable
damage. The lightning struck the Auguste, an 80
gun ship, belonging to the King of France, then
lying in this harbour, commanded by Admiral the
Count Vaudreuil, which entirely disabled her fore-
mast, greatly injured her forecastle and decks, kil-
led four men, and wounded five others.
1783.
The provisional articles of peace, between the
United States and his Britanic Majesty, had been
ratified by Congress ; who directed that they should
be made public, by the supreme executive power of
the several states. The President and committee of
safety of this state appointed Monday the 28th day
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 277
of April, for proclaiming the same. The day was
ushered in by the ringing of bells. At six o'clock
salutes of thirteen guns were fired at the fort, at
Liberty-Bridge, and at Church-hill, to which his
most Christian Majesty's ship, the America, re-
sponded in joyful harmony. At ten o'clock reli-
gious services were performed in the north meeting-
house, before a crowded audience. After a sublime
anthem was sung by a select choir, the Rev. Doctor
Haven addressed the throne of grace in the most
pathetic strains of gratitude for all the mercies be-
stowed upon this infant nation, for supporting us
through a long and distressing war, and for the
happy termination of it in our independence. An-
other anthem was performed, and the Rev. Mr.
Buckminster made the concluding prayer in a style
of grateful eloquence, suitable to the solemn but
joyful occasion. The services were elosed by sing-
ing another anthem.
At noon the President of the State, attended by
several officers of government, and a number of
respectable gentlemen proceeded to the State-house,
where the proclamation was read by the Sheriff of
Rockingham, from the balcony to a large concourse
of people, assembled on the parade, who heard it
with the most lively demonstrations of joy. An ele-
gant dinner was provided at the Assembly-room, at
which the President, all strangers of distinction,
and nearly one hundred gentlemen of the town
were present. Several other gentlemen partook of
278 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
a cold collation at the Ck)uncil-chamber, and at
both places a number of patriotic toasts were drunk.
In the evening a splendid ball was given. The
Assembly-room and State-house were beautifully
illuminated, and fire-works were displayed in a su-
perior style.
1784.
A number of persons, who had embraced the
doctrine of universal salvation, frequently met for
mutual instruction. This year they formed a socie-
ty, and Mr. Noah Parker began his religious minis-
trations. They met at first in the house, which had
been built for the Sandemanians. The society after-
wards purchased a lot in Vaughan-street, and erected
a meeting-house there. Mr. John Murray, of Bos-
ton, first preached the doctrine of universal salva-
tion in this town about the commencement of the
revolutionary war.
Friday, November 26. A violent sto*rm of rain
commenced in the night, and continued until noon.
The wind blew strongly from the southeast, and
forced in the tide from the sea, which being met by
a great freshet, swelled the river higher, than it
was ever known to rise before, and caused great
damage to the wharves and the warehouses, which
stood on them. The water flowed into several of
them and destroyed considerable property. The
wood and lumbec which lay on the wharves were
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 279
geaerally swept away ; but what is more extraor-
dinary, a large warehouse which stood on Boyd's
wharf, was launched from the wharf, and floated
across the creek to the opposite shore.
Wiseman Clagett, Esq. was born at Bristol, in
England, in the month of August, 1721, and receiv-
ed an early and liberal education in that country.
Having finished his academical studies, he became a
student at the Inns of Court, qualified himself for the
profession of the law, and after going through a reg-
ular course of preparatory studies, was admitted a
barrister in the Court of King's Bench. A few years
after his admission to the bar, he crossed the Atlan-
tic to the West-Indies ; settled in Antigua under
very flattering circumstances, and was cordially re-
ceived by the principal inhabitants of the island,
particularly by a gentleman of fortune, who as an
inducement for him to remain Uiere, settled on him
a handsome annuity for life. He was appointed a
notary public, and Secretary of the island. He
discharged the duties of these ofiices with fidelity,
and pursued his professional business there with
success for several years, until the decease of his
particular friend, and generous patron. He then
embarked for this country, and settled in this town.
He was admitted an attorney of the Superior Court
at the next session after his arrival, and was soon
afterwards appointed a Justice of the Peace. In
the exercise of this office he was strict, ^evere, and
overbearing. For many years he was the princi-
380 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
pal acting magistrate here, and his name became
proverbial. When one person threatened another
with a prosecution, it was usual to say, <' I will Clag-
ett you." He received the appointment of King's
Attorney-General for the province the year 1767.
He took a very early and decided part in opposition
to the oppressive acts of the British Parliament, at
a time when a considerable portion of his property,
was within the control of government. Previous
to the revolution, he removed to Litchfield, where
he possessed a large and valuable estate, on the
banks of the Merrimack. He represented that
town and some of the neighbouring towns, classed
with it, several years in the General Court. Being
omitted one year, the towns of Merrimack and Bed-
ford elected him their representative, although not
an inhabitant of either of those places. He always
entertained a grateful remembrance of this mark
of confidence and respect, and frequently spoke of
it with pleasure. He was for some time a member
of tlie committee of safety, and was active, atten-
tive and useful. He was influential in framing and
carrying into effect, the temporary form of govern-
ment, which was first adopted in New- Hampshire,
under which the office of Solicitor-General was cre-
ated, and Mr. Clagett was the only person, who
ever had that appointment ; the office ceased at the
adoption of the constitution in 1784, a little pre-
vious to his death.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 281
He possessed a great flow of wit, which accompa-
nied by his social talents and learning, made him
an agreeable companion. He was also distinguish-
ed for his classical knowledge. He wrote the Latin
language with ease and elegance, and spoke it with
fluency. A Latin epitaph in the burying ground
at Litchfield on the grave:Stone of his son, who was
accidentally killed by the discharge of a fowling-
piece, is a specimen of his writing. It contains
some peculiar sentiments, which shew the eccentri-
city of his genius. There is also a baptismal font
in St. John's Church, with a Latin inscription writ-
ten by him. — He had a fine taste for poetry, and
many Jeux d'esprit, the productions of his pen,
have been preserved by his friends. He did not
possess a perfect equanimity of temper, but was
subject at times to great depression of spirits. He
died at Litchfield the 4th of December the present
year, in the sixty-fourth year of his age.
1785.
Some persons are born at the time, when every
faculty of the mind can be best brought into action ;
when those talents, with which nature has furnished
them, can be employed with advantage for the pub-
lic good. This was the case with the late General
Whipple, who was born at Kittery in the year
1730, and received his education in one of the pub-
lic schools in that town, where he was taught read-
36
282 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ing, writing,, arithmetic, and navigation. From
school he went on board a merchantman, and was
bred a sailor. Before the age of twenty-one, he
had the command of a vessel, and in that capacity
performed many voyages to Europe and the West-
Indies ; and, according to the practice which too
generally prevailed in those days, was concerned in
the slave trade, and imported negroes from Africa
into this country. About the year 1759, he left the
sea, and engaged in trade in this town, in company
with his brother, under the firm of William and
Joseph Whipple; and continued this connexion in
business until a short time previous to the revolu-
tionary war, when he quitted all mercantile engage-
ments. Mr. Whipple was possessed of a strong
mind and quick discernment, was easy in his man-
ners, courteous in his deportment, correct in his
habits and constant in his friendships. He very
early took a decided part in favour of his country
in their disputes with Great Britain. His towns-
men placed the highest confidence in his patriotism
and integrity, and frequently elected him to ofiices,
"Which required firmness and moderation. In the
spring of 1775, he was elected a member of Con-
gress, which was to meet at Philadelphia in May,
and in the same year, was chosen a delegate to the
provincial Congress, which assumed the government
after the commencement of hostilities. He was
likewise one of the committee of safety for the town,
and for the state, and was one of the Council under
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 283
the first form of. state Government. In 1776, he
was again elected a member of Congress, and took
his seat in the month of February. At this session
of that body, the declaration of independence was
made, and the name of William Whipple, with
those of the other illustrious signers of that instru-
ment, will be handed down to posterity with every
mark of gratitude and respect.
General Whipple was several times called into
service with detachments of his brigade, to oppose
the British troops. He had with him, at the cap-
ture of Burgoyne, a valuable negro servant, import,
ed from Africa, named Prince. On his way to the
army he said to his servant, << Should we be called
into action, I hope you will behave yourself like a
man of courage, and fight bravely for your coun-
try." Prince replied, " Sir, I have no inducement
to fight, but if I had my liberty, I would endeavour
to defend it to the last drop of blood." The Gene-
ral then said to him, " Prince, you shall have your
freedom ; from this time you are your own man." —
He was again elected a member of Congress, took
his seat in the month of October, 1778, and was
considered very useful and active. After his re-
turn from Congress, he was repeatedly chosen a
member of the Legislature of the state. About
this time the General began to be troubled with
strictures in the breast, which were at times very
painful to him. A little exercise would bring on
violent palpitations of the heart, which were very
284 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
distressing. Riding on horseback often produced
this effect, and sometimes caused him to faint. This
complaint prevented his engaging in the active
scenes of life, and induced him to resign his mil-
itary command. On the 20th of June, 1782, he
was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of
Judicature. A discerning mind, sound judgment,
and integrity were deemed essential qualifications,
and these virtues General Whipple possessed. He
continued on the bench about three years, but his
disorder became more painful to him ; and in the
fall of this year, he was obliged to leave the Court
before the circuit was completed. He departed
this life on the 10th day of November, in the fifty-
fifth year of his age. By his special direction to
his brother, Doctor Brackett, his body was opened,
and it was found that an ossification had taken place
in his heart ; the valve was united to the aorta,
only a sn:.ll aperture, the size of a large knitting
needle, was open, through which all the blood flow-
ed in its circulation ; and when any sudden motion
gave it new impulse, it produced the palpitation
and faintness, to which he was liable.
General Whipple enjoyed through life a great
share of public confidence, and although his early
education was limited, his natural good sense, and
accurate observation, enabled him to discharge the
duties of the several offices, with which he was
intrusted, with credit to himself and benefit to the
publiQ.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOITTH. 285
The Honourable Mark Hunking Wentworth, fa-
ther of Sir John Wentworth, and son of Liutenant
Governor Wentworth, departed this life December
19th. He was bred a merchant, was largely con-
cerned in trade and navigation, had the agency of
procuring masts and spars for the British navy, and
by these various branches of business, amassed a
large and splendid fortune. He was many years
before the revolution, one of his Majesty's Council,
and was one of the original purchasers of Mason's
patent, and in all his transactions was influenced
by the most correct and honourable motives. The
Legislature of the state, confiscated the estate of
GoTernor Wentworth, and put it under the direc-
tion of trustees ; by whose bad management, a great
part of it was lost. Confiscated estates were after-
wards settled in the Probate Courts. His father's
claim was presented, and proved by authentic vouch-
ers before the Judge, but amounting to four times as
much as those of all the other creditors, he gene-
rously withdrew his claim, that every other person
might be paid in full. His benevolence continually
prompted him to acts of kindness and liberality.
His charity was unbounded ; the poor and distress-
ed always found in him a ready friend and bene-
factor.
286 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1786.
His Excellency John Langdon rebuilt the bridge
over the dock, commonly called Canoe-Bridge, and
presented the same to the town.
The Church service had not been regularly per-
formed in Queen's-Chapel since the death of Mr.
Brown in the year 1776. The Church had been
shut up most of the time during this long period.
The parish had employed a lay reader, who officiat-
ed nearly a year. They now came to a determina-
tion to settle another minister ; and in December
gave an invitation to the Rev. John C. Ogden, which
was accepted. He had been ordained by the Right
Rev. Samuel Seabury, Bishop of Connecticut.
On the 31st day of October, the proprietors of
the social library, dissolved their society, sold their
books at auction, and divided the proceeds.
There was a general complaint in the country of
the depressed situation of trade, which was suppos-
ed to be owing to the great scarcity of money ; and
the General Court proposed to remedy the evil, by
emitting a paper currency. They submitted the
plan, upon which they proposed to issue it, to the
several towns in the state. This town was legally
assembled on the 6th of November, and expressed
an opinion that a paper medium, would increase the
difliculties ; that it could not answer the purpose of
trade ; that it would deprive this state of commerce,
and drain it of its specie ; that the disproportion be»
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 287
tween a paper currency and specie, would always
cause the former to depreciate ; that if the officers
of government were obliged to receive their salaries
in paper money, the highest offices would be filled
by persons unworthy of the lowest ; that paper
money always has promoted, and ever will promote
corruption, and a multitude of other concomitant
evils, and considering it either in a moral or politi-
cal point of view, they heartily reprobated it.
1787.
June. Daniel Fowle, Esq. died, aged seventy-two
years. He was born at Charlestown in Massachu-
setts, and served his apprenticeship with a printer
in Boston, where he commenced business in 1740,
and two years afterwards entered into partnership
with Gamaliel Rogers. During this connexion, they
published an edition of the New Testament in
12mo. ; the American Magazine, and a newspaper,
entitled the Independent Advertizer. This part-
nership was dissolved in 1750, and Fowle agaia
carried on the printing business by himself. In
1754, he was arrested by virtue of a warrant, sign-
ed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
on suspicion of having printed a pamphlet, entitled,
<<The Monster of Monsters, by Tom Thumb, Esq."
which contained some severe reflections on several
of the members.
^8S ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
After an examination before the House, they or-
dered him to be committed to the common gaol,
where he was detained two or three days, without
permission to see his family or friends, and deprived
of the use of pen, ink, and paper. He was greatly
injured by this treatment, but could obtain no re-
dress. He soon after wrote and published a par-
ticular account of these arbitrary measures, in a
pamphlet called ^' Total Eclipse of Liberty." He
resolved to live no longer under a government,
which had deprived him of his freedom, without
adverting to the rules of law, and determined to
embrace the first favourable opportunity to change
his situation. Accordingly, having received encour-
agement from several respectable inhabitants, he
removed to this town in July, 1756, and set up
his printing business here. This was the first es-
tablishment of the kind ever made in the province.
He commenced the publication of the New-Hamp-
shire Gazette the October following, which was
continued, with some short interruptions, until his
death. In 1764, he took his Nephew, Robert
Fowle, into partnership, under the firm of Daniel
and Robert Fowle. This connexion continued until
1774, when a difi'erence in political opinions caused
their separation. Mr. Fowle did but little business,
except printing the Newspaper, the state laws, and
a few pamphlets. The Governor appointed him a
Justice of the Peace, soon after his settlement here.
'^ He was a correct printer, and industrious. In his
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 289
disposition he was pacific, agreeable in his manners,
liberal in his sentiments, and attached to the cause
of his country."
He had a negro servant, named Primus, who was
brought from Africa. This negro, although very
illiterate, was a good pressman, and worked at the
business in his master's office, until prevented by
age. He was upwards of ninety years old at the
time of his death.
Mr. Noah Parker died on the 17th of August,
greatly lamented, particularly by the society to
whom he preached. He was a native of this town,
was bred a black and white smith, and made himself
well acquainted with every branch of the business,
particularly with those parts, which required most
ingenuity to execute.
Robert Metlin,* a native of Scotland, resided a
number of years in this town, and carried on the
business of a baker. He was a very noted pedes-
trian. He usually bought his flour in Boston, and
always travelled there on foot : he performed the
journey in a day, the distance being then about six-
ty-six miles, made his purchases, put his flour on
board a coaster, and returned home the next day.
He was eighty years of age the last time he per-
formed this journey. At that time this was thought
an extraordinary day's journey for a horse. The
stages required the greatest part of two days. Co-
lonel Atkinson, with a strong horse in a very light
* Dr. Belknap calls him Macklin.
37
290 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
sulkey, once accomplished it in a day. He set out
early in the morning, and before he reached Green-
land, he overtook Metlin, and enquired where he
was bound. Metlin answered, to Boston. Atkinson
asked if he ever expected to reach there, and rode
on. Atkinson stopped at Greenland, and Metlin
passed him ; they alternately passed each other eve-
ry stage on the road, and crossed Charlestown ferry,
in the same boat, before sunset.
When Metlin quitted the baking business, he re-
moved to Wakefield, and died there at the very ad-
vanced age of one^ hundred and fifteen years.
1788.
The convention, to whom the important question
was committed, whether this state should adopt or
reject the Federal constitution, met at Exeter the
2d Wednesday of February. The honourable John
Langdon, John Pickering, and Peirce Long, were
delegates from this town. After debating on the^
subject nine or ten days, the convention adjourned
to the second Wednesday of June, then to meet at
Concord. At this meeting the debates were contin-
ued until Saturday afternoon, when the question was
taken by yeas and nays. Whilst the Secretary was
calling over the members, and recording their votes,
a death-like silence prevailed ; every bosom throb-
bed with anxious expectation. When the votes
were counted, there appeared 57 for the adoption,
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 291
and 46 against it, leaving a majority of eleven in its
favour. This state was the ninth that adopted the
constitution ; and according to the provisions made
in it, the government was to be put into operation.
This pleasing and interesting intelligence was re-
ceived in this town on Sunday morning. Mutual
congratulations took place, and public thanks were
returned in all the churches. Thursday the 26th
of June, was appointed for the celebration of this
important event. About 11 o'clock a large con-
course of the inhabitants assembled on the parade,
and moved in procession through the principal
streets in the following order :
A band of music in an open coach and six horses
decorated; Husbandmen; a plough drawn by nine
yoke of oxen ; a man sowing ; a harrow ; Reap-
ers ; Threshers ; Mowers ; Haymakers, each with
their appropriate implements ; a man swingling
flax ; a cart for gathering in harvest ; Blacksmiths
and Nailers with their forges, anvils, and sledges, at
»work ; Shipwrights with their tools ; Caulkers ;
Rope-makers with a spinning wheel and hemp
round their waists, occupied; Riggers; Mast-mak-
ers ; Ship-joiners ; Block-makers ; Mathematical
Instrument-makers with an Azimuth Compass ;
Boat-builders at work on a boat nearly completed ;
Carvers, Painters, Glaziers, and Plumbers ; Coopers,
trimming casks ; Cullers of fish ; Steevadores ; Pi-
lots with spy-glasses and charts ; the ship Union
completely rigged, armed and manned, under an
292 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
easy sail, with colours flying, elevated on a carriage
drawn by nine horses, a tenth, (emblematical of ,
Virginia) completely harnessed, led, and ready to
join the rest ; Ship-Captains with their quadrants ;
Seamen ; Shoremen ; Truckmen ; Millers ; Bakers,
preceded by a flag, displaying the baker's arms ;
Butchers, Tanners, and Curriers ; Cordwainers with
their lasts decorated ; Tallow-Chandlers ; Tail-
ors ; Barbers ; Hatters ; Housewrights ; Masons ;
Cabinet-makers ; Wheelwrights ; Saddlers and
Chaise-trimmers ; Upholsterers ; Goldsmiths, Jewel-
lers, and Silversmiths ; Clock and Watch-makers ;
Coppersmiths ; Whitesmiths ; Brass founders ; Tin-
men, with nine pillars and stars on a pedestal ;
Potters, with a table and wheel at work, nine pil-
lars erected; Brick-makers burning a kiln, others
moulding bricks ; Leather-dressers ; Card-makers
with cards j Printers, preceded by two lads with
open quires of printed paper, followed with cases
and apparatus decorated, and compositors at work ;
Pressmen employed during the whole procession, in*
striking off and distributing among the surrounding
multitude, songs in celebration of the ratification of
the Federal Constitution, by the state of New-
Hampshire :
MOTTO.
'•'■ A government of freemen never knows
A tyrant's shackles, on the press t' impose."
Consuls, Merchants, and Traders ; the boys of
the different schools with the insignia of their stu-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 293
dies decorated ; the Terrestrial Globe, rectified for
New-Hampshire, and decorated by a company of
young ladies, who were studying geography, carri-
ed by two lads in uniform. In the decorations each
state was distinguished ; New-Hampshire in the
zenith, and Rhode-Island on the western horizon in
mourning.
The Masters of the schools ;
MOTTO.
" Where the bright beams of Federal freedom glow,
The buds qf science, in full beauty blow."
Clergy, Physicians, and Surgeons ; Sheriff, preced-
ed by his deputies ; Judges of Common Law and
Admiralty Courts ; Clerks of Courts ; Gentlemen of
the bar supporting the Federal Constitution ; The
President of the State, and President of the Con-
vention ; Secretaries of the State and Convention :
Members of the Convention ; Members of the Legis-
lature ; Treasurer and Commissary-General ; Militia
officers in uniform. Every profession was distin-
guished by some insignia or badge peculiar to it.
All intended to represent that in consequence of
this union, commerce, and all the arts dependant on
it, would revive and flourish. During the proces-
sion several Federal songs, composed for the occa-
sion, were sung, accompanied by the band. A cold
collation was prepared at Union-hill, of which the
company partook ; and after the repast, nine patri-
otic toasts were drunk, the artillery fired a salute
after each of them ; and the songs were again sung,
294 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
accompanied by the band. The procession then
formed in the same order, and was saluted by thir-
teen guns from the artillery ; which was called a
Federal salute. On their arrival at the Court-house,
a salute was fired from the ship, and the company
dispersed. The ship fired another salute, as she
passed the President's house.
In the evening the State-house was beautifully
illuminated with nine lights at each window, while
a large company of ladies and gentlemen on the
parade were entertained with music from the bal-
cony. Joy sparkled in every eye, and pleasure was
seated in every breast. All seemed to anticipate
the happier days, which they v^^ere to enjoy under
the Federal government.
Doctor Clement Jackson was esteemed one of the
most eminent physicians of this town and neighbour-
hood for many years. He had laid the best founda-
tion for knowledge in his profession, which the
limited advantages, he could obtain in this country,
afforded. Having a discriminating mind, and being
in the habit of making accurate observations, he
soon became acquainted with the nature of the dis-
orders prevalent here, and with the best method of
treating them. His practice was extensive ; his
benevolence universal. He never turned from ob-
jects of distress, without making exertions to relieve
them ; and always regarded the sufferings of others
with tender sensibility. His amiable disposition
recommended him to all who knew him ; he was " a
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 295
man greatly beloved." He died on Friday, the
10th day oi October, in the eighty- third year of his
age.
George Jerry Osborne, jr. commenced the publi-
cation of a paper twice a week, entitled. The New-
Hampshire Spy.*
Robert Gerrish commenced the publication of a
weekly newspaper, entitled, the New-Hampshire
Mercury, sometime between the years 1780 and
1790, which he continued to publish about four or
five years.
1789.
The Independent Society in Pitt-street invited
Mr. Joseph Walton to take the pastoral charge of
their church and congregation. He accepted their
call, and was ordained by the church without a
Council, or any other assistance, on the 22d of Sep-
tember.
The Watch-house, which stood on the ledge of
rocks in Court-street, was taken down and rebuilt
on the school-house lot in Buck-street, and the
rocks were entirely removed.
October 30th. The President of the United
States, on his northern tour, arrived in this town.
He was met at the line of the state, by the Presi-
dent and Council of this state, the Marshall of the
*This paper was discontinued early in the year 1793.
296 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH
district, and a great number of gentlemen of dis-
tinction, who waited upon him to this plat;e, escorted
by Colonel Cogswell's regiment of cavalry. Colonel
Wentworth's indepen^^ent company of horse met him
at Greenland, and joined the escort ; at the plains
the military officers were drawn up, under command
of Major General Cilley, to salute him as he passed.
At his entrance into the compact part of the town,
he was saluted by the discharge of thirteen cannon,
from three companies of artillery in complete uni-
form, under command of Colonel Hackett. Con-
gress-street, through which he passed, was lined
with the citizens of the town, the several trades
being arranged alphabetically. ^^ The bells rang a
joyful peal, and repeated shouts from grateful thou-
sands, hailed their deliverer welcome'' to the town.
The windows and doors of the houses, which he
passed, were crowded with ladies desirous of be-
holding the man, whom all delighted to honour.
A Federal salute was fired from the fort, the ships
in the harbour were decorated with colours, and
every thing wore the face of joy.
On his arrival at the State-house, President Sul-
livan and the Council introduced him to the Senate-
chamber, from the balcony of which, he gratified
an immense crowd of spectators, who covered the
parade and the adjacent buildings, and who had col-
lected to pay him their profound respects. Whilst
in this situation, several odes, composed for the
occasion, were sung in a superior style, accompanied
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 297
by a band of music. A large body of troops, under
command of General Cilley, passed him in review,
and he was then conducted to his lodgings by Presi-
dent Sullivan, the Marshal of the district, and seve-
ral other gentlemen, escorted by a company of in-
fantry under arms. In the evening the State-house
was brilliantly illuminated; thirteen rockets ascend-
ed from the balcony, and other fire-works added to
the beauty of the scene.
On Sunday President Washington attended di-
vine worship at Queen's-Chapel in the morning, and
at the north church in the afternoon.
In the forenoon on Monday, accompanied by
General Sullivan, the honourable Mr. Langdon, the
Marshal of the district, and the Consul of France,
he made an excursion down the harbour ; the sea-
men, vvho rowed the barge in which the President
went, were dressed in white, the other barge was
rowed by seamen clothed in round blue jackets.
The gentlemen composing the band followed at a
short distance and performed several select pieces of
music on the water.
The President landed at Kittery, in the district
of Maine, and after a short stay, returned by way
of Little-Harbour, where he made a visit to Colonel
Michael Wentworth, at the romantic seat of the
late Governor Benning Wentworth, an abode of
elegance and hospitality ; from thence he proceeded
to town by land. A committee of the town waited
upon the President and presented him a congratu-
38
298 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
latory address, to which he returned an affectionate
answer.
On Tuesday, an elegant entertainment was given
by President Sullivan and his Council to the Presi-
dent of the United States. Many of the officers of
government, the Clergy, the bar, and other gentle-
men of distinction were present. In the evening
the gentlemen of the town gave a splendid ball,
which the President honoured with his presence,
where he was introduced to a brilliant circle of
ladies. Every thing was done to render the visit of
their illustrious guest agreeable : every bosom glow-
ed with gratitude at the sight of a man, who had
rendered his country so many essential services ;
every tongue was emulous to speak his praise.
He left town early on Thursday morning to return
to New- York.
1790.
The number of inhabitants in this town, as ap-
pears by the census taken in pursuance of the act
of Congress, is four thousand, seven hundred, and
twenty.
On Tuesday night following the 13th day of July,
a wicked attempt was made to burn the town. A
box, made of boards, about two feet square, open
on one side, filled with birch bark, tar, and other
combustibles on fire, was set, the open part against
the barn of Oliver Whipple, Esq. in Jaffrey-street.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 299
The fire burned nearly through the clapboards and
boards of the building, where the box came in con-
tact with it, and the flames ascended to the ridge-
pole. The fire was soon discovered, and extinguish-
ed before it had done much damage.
1791.
The society, which usually met in the north meet-
ing-house for public worship, was incorporated by
an act of the Legislature by the name of the North
Parish.
Jacob Sheafe, Esq. died the 26th of June, 179],
in the seventy-sixth year of his age. He was the
second son of the honourable Sampson Sheafe ; was
born at New-Castle in the year 1715. Having been
bred a merchant, he settled in this town, and engag-
ed largely in mercantile business, which he pursued
with reputation and success until his death. Gov-
ernor Wentworth appointed him Commissary of
the New-Hampshire forces at the capture of Lou-
isburgh. In 1767, he was elected one of the rep-
resentatives of this town ; and was reelected every
year afterwards until 1774.
John Parker, Esq. departed this life, after a short
illness, on the 4th of October. He was the second
son of the honourable William Parker, and was born
in this town the 16th of November, 1732. He re-
ceived the rudiments of his education at the gram-
mar-school under the care of the Rev. Doctor Lang-
300 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
don, and was removed from school to the Counting-
house of Colonel Nathaniel Sparhawk of Kittery
Point, who was extensively concerned in navigation
and fishery ; with whom he served his apprentice-
ship under indentures "to learn the art, trade, and
mystery of a merchant.'' After his apprenticeship
had expired, he performed a number of voyages as
master of a ship. In 1763, he entered into part-
nership in trade with William Rhodes, under the
firm of Rhodes and Parker ; which connexion con-
tinued four or five years, but proved unfortunate,
owing to some severe losses, which they suffered at
sea. Governor Wentworth appointed him Sheriff of
the province in 1771, and Sheriff of Rockingham,
after the province was divided into counties. When
the government was assumed by the people at the
commencement of the revolution, he was reappoint-
ed by the authority of the state, Sheriff of Rock-
ingham ; and when the Federal Government went
into operation. President Washington appointed him
Marshal of the district of New-Hampshire. He
held these ofiices during life, and discharged the
several duties of them with fidelity and care. He
likewise had the direction of an insurance ofiice,
and conducted the business of it with accuracy and
skill. He was never married, but his house was the
asylum of the widow and orphan, and the children
he took the charge of, were nourished and educated
with paternal care. His benevolence was not con-
fined to his relations; but extended in many instan-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 301
ces to strangers, who partook largely of his bounty.
In the walks of private life, his virtues were
conspicuous. He was a social companion, an accom-
plished gentleman, a disinterested friend. A very
numerous and extensive acquaintance mourn his loss.
The Episcopal society, which have usually met iu
Queen's-Chapel for public worship, was incorporat-
ed by an act of the Legislature^ by the name of St.
John's-Church.
1792.
A bank was established in this town by the name
of the New-Hampshire Bank, to continue fifty
years, under the management of a President, and
seven directors ; with a capital of one hundred and
sixty thousand dollars.
1793.
The honourable Leverett Hubbard, died the 2d
day of January, aged sixty-nine. He was born in
Rhode-Island, and was educated at Harvard College,
where he obtained the reputation of a good classical
scholar, and received the honours of the College in
1742. He was of a warm, sanguine disposition, and,
being disappointed in not having any part assigned
him in the public exercises on commencement day,
he took a conspicuous place in the gallery, and de-
livered a severe philippic in Latin against the Presi-
302 APWALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
dent; who in vain endeavoured to stop him. The
corporation at first refused him his degree, but
through the intervention of his friends, granted it
afterwards. He studied law in Rhode Island, but
never became eminent as a lawyer. He came to
this town about the year 1760, and was soon ap-
pointed Controller of the customs ; in 1763 he was
appointed a Justice of the Superior Court of Judica-
ture for the province, but did not excel as a Judge.
He indulged himself in bold flights of imagination.
When Mr. West first came to the bar, he was engag-
ed for the demandant in a real action for five hun-
dred acres of land. In Judge Hubbard's address to
the Jury, he observed that the cause had been man-
aged in a masterly manner, especially by the young
gentleman who appeared for the plaintiff, that he
should be willing to give the whole land, if it was
covered with money, to be able to argue a cause
as he had done, but said he, ^' I check myself in
the thought, for it appears to me like the impi-
ous wish of Simon Magus to purchase the Holy
Spirit with money." Judge Hubbard was of a ve-
ry benevolent, friendly disposition, and courteous in
his deportment. When the State Constitution went
into operation in 1784, he was not I'eappointed,
which left him in very straitened circumstances, and
his mind became in some measure deranged, a few
years before his death.
A general dissatisfaction having taken place in
the minds of his parishoners with the Rev. Mr.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 303
Ogden, in consequence of which, his usefulness was
destroyed, it became necessary to dissolve the con-
nexion between them. He was accordingly dismis-
sed on the 30th day of January.
March 26th. The town purchased of John
Peirce, Esq. as Attorney of John Fisher, Esq. a lot
of land now in possession of James Grouard, near
the parade, for the purpose of erecting a market
thereon, for the sum of four hundred and fifty
pounds.
The town agreed to take a number of shares in
the bridge, proposed to be built across Piscataqua
river, from Newington to Durham, to the amount of
one thousand pounds, provided the shares are not
subscribed for by individuals.
The bell at the south parish, having been broken
by striking it with a hammer according to the di-
rection of the selectmen, instead of tolling it for
funerals ; the town authorized the selectmen to pay
the wardens of that parish a sum of money equal to
the expense of procuring and hanging a bell in the
belfrey of the meeting-house of that parish, of the
same weight of the present bell, deducting the net
proceeds of the sale of the same.
Charles Peirce commenced the publication of
a newspaper, entitled The United States Oracle of
the Day, on the 4th of June.
June 27th. The town appointed a committee,
whom they empowered to sell and convey all the
land oa spring- hill, where the old market stood, and
304 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the lands contiguous, reserving such sujficient street
or streets, and water privilege, as they may deem
necessary for the use of the town ; and to make and
execute good and lawful deeds of the same in behalf
of the town, with covenants of warranty, to be fully
and completely obligatory upon the town.
The proclamation of the President of the United
States, requiring the people to observe a strict
neutrality towards the belligerant powers, excited
different sensations in the minds of the different
existing parties. By some, who thought that we
were under the greatest obligation to France, and
ought to unite with them in all their opposition to
Great Britain, it was highly condemned. The more
cool and dispassionate part of the community, who
dreaded the horrors of war, and thought it for the
interest of this country, to avoid the politics of
Europe, warmly applauded it.
At a town- meeting, held the 13th of August, the
following resolutions were passed.
First — That the inhabitants of this town do heart-
ily approve of the proclamation of the Supreme
Executive of the United States, warning all persons
to refrain from violating the law of Nations, and
declaring the neutrality of the United States, and
their disposition to observe a conduct friendly and
impartial towards all the belligerant powers.
Second — That in our opinion, the President of
the United States, in issuing his proclamation, has
acted in strict conformity to the nature and duties
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 305
of his office, as the executor of the laws, and guar-
dian of the public welfare ; and thereby rendered
eifectual service to the public in general, and most
seasonable relief to the mercantile interest, at a
time, when it was doubted in foreign parts whether
our shipping would remain neutral or not.
Third — That we are determined to assist, to the
utmost of our ability, the Government in maintain-
ing the neutrality and peace of the United States,
and will use our best endeavours to detect and
bring to justice all persons, who by their arts and
proceedings, shall violate the law of nations, and
endanger the peace and welfare of the Union.
Fourth — That we rely on the support and ener-
gy of the Government of the United States, that
our navigation shall be freed from the present dep-
redations and insults committed by the powers at
war; and that just compensation shall be made to
those who have suffered by such unwarrantable con-
duct.
Arthur Brown, Esq. L L. D. late a Fellow of
Trinity College, Dublin, and King's Professor of
Greek, Representative in Parliament for the Uni-
versity of Dublin, in Ireland, presented to the Epis-
copal Church a very elegant bible, printed at the
Clarendon press, in token of his affection and re-
spect for a congregation, of which his grandfather
was formerly pastor.
The society of Universalists was incorporated by
an act of the Legislature, passed June 17th. This
39
306 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
society gave an invitation to Mr. George Richards
to settle with them in the ministry, which he ac-
cepted, and commenced preaching to them the 29th
of August.
* 1794.
The Legislature granted a charter, incorporating
a number of persons belonging to this town and
their associates, for the purpose of building a bridge
over Piscataqua river, by the name of the Proprie-
tors of Piscataqua Bridge. Having made every
necessary preparatian, they commenced the work,
the beginning of April, and had it so far completed
on the 25th of November, as to be passable ; when
they began to take toll. The bridge connects the
towns of Newington and Durham, just below the
outlet of Little-Bay. It is two thousand three
hundred and sixty-two feet in length, and thirty-
eight feet in width. The river over which it pas-
ses is generally upwards of fifty feet deep at high
water. From the Newington shore a stone abut-
ment extends several feet into the river. The
bridge is then supported by piles, five of which
were strongly framed, and braced together, and
driven into the bottom of the river. String pieces
were laid from the cap of one set of piles to another,
and on them the plank or flooilng of the bridge was
secured. This mode of constructing it, extends as
far as Rock-Island, on which a strong stone abut-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 307
ment is built, and another on the shore of Goat-
Island ; from one of these abutments to the other,
an arch is thrown, the chord of which is two hun-
dred forty-four feet six inches. The arch is com-
posed of three tiers of girders, the lower one is
sixteen feet from the chord, and twenty feet from
the water at the high tide. The second tier sup-
ports the planking on which the road passes, which
is on a larger circle to facilitate the travelling.
The upper tier answers the purpose of railing.
There are three sets of these girders, one on each
side, and one in the middle of the bridge, which
are so braced and framed together, as to make the
whole strong and firm. This arch was constructed
by Mr. Timothy Palmer, of Newburyport, on a
model entirely new, and does him great credit for
his skill in architecture. The remainder of the
bridge from Goat-Island to the Durham shore, is
built on piles, in which is a draw for vessels to pass
through, as they go up and down the river.
In constructing this bridge, three thousand tons
of oak timber, two thousand tons of pine timber,
eighty thousand four-ineh plank, twenty tons of
iron, and eight thousand tons of stone have been
used. The directors appointed Thomas Thompson
and John Peirce, Esquires, agents, under whose
direction and superintendence, the materials were
provided, and the work performed. The whole
cost of the bridge was sixty-two thousand dollars.
303 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
It is expected that this bridge will be of essential
benefit to Portsmouth, as it will open a communica-
tion with the country, which could not previously
be had, without crossing the river, or some of its
branches in boats.
1795.
The parish of St. John's Chufch, the last year,
requested Mr. Joseph Willard, a resident graduate
of Harvard College, to ofliciate for them on proba-
tion. The parish, on the 29th of December, gave
him an invitation to settle with them in the minis-
try, which he accepted. On the 22d of February
he received Deacon's orders, and on the 24th of the
same month, was admitted to Priest's orders, by the
Right Rev. Doctor Provost, Bishop of New- York.
The treaty between the United States and Great
Britain, had been laid before the Senate, who ad-
vised the President to ratify it. While he had it
under consideration, a member of the Senate pro-
cured it to be published, which caused the Presi-
dent great embarrassment. The country was divid-
ed in opinion, as to its operation and effect. This
town met for the purpose of expressing their opin-
ion on the subject, on the 16th of July ; and after
voting, <^ That it was inconsistent with the interest
and honour of the United States to adopt'' the trea-
ty ; they agreed upon the following address :
" To George Washington, President of the Uni-
ted States of America :
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 309
^^ Sir — Convinced of your inviolable attachment
to the interest and happiness of the States over
which you preside, and your readiness on all occa-
sions to attend to every just complaint of the peo-
ple, we, the citizens of Portsmouth, constitutionally
assembled in public town-meeting to signify our
opinions, relative to the treaty between Great Brit-
ain and the United States of America, consented to
by a majority of the Senate, and recommended for
your ratification, having taken the same into our
most serious consideration, beg leave to express our
most hearty disapprobation thereof for the following
general reasons, viz. :
First — Because that part of the treaty of 1783,
securing the payment of debts due to British sub-
jects, is rigorously enforced, while an important
article in the same treaty, requiring a compensation
for negroes and other property, unjustly removed,
is placed wholly out of view.
Second — Because the 9th article confers a privi-
lege on British subjects, which, though expressed
in terms reciprocal, yet from the different circum-
stances of the two nations, not only wants an equiv-
alent, but is a direct invasion of the rights of indi-
vidual states.
Third — Because the bonds required of command-
ers of privateers, are wholly inadequate for the
purposes for which such provision was made.
Fourth — Because the regulations of trade, com-
merce, and navigation between the two parties,
310 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
contained in the 3d, 13th, 15th, and 17th articles,
hold oat the most decided advantage to British sub-
jects, and must in their operation prove destructive
to American commerce and navigation.
Fifth — Because by the 18th article many articles
of export are admitted as contraband of war, which
by our treaties with France, Holland, and Sweden
are declared free ; by which means, a disposition to
aid the British in the destruction of the navies of
those nations is fairly implied.
Sixth — Because all the essential advantages, re-
sulting to the United States from a ratification of
the treaty, are such as they have a right to demand,
either by virtue of the treaty of 1783, or from
principles of common justice, was there no treaty
existing, while many important privileges are allow-
ed the British, without a counterpart.
Thus have we stated a few of the many objections
that might be opposed to the treaty. We forbear
entering into a more particular detail, as it would
probably be but a repetition of those, which we
presume must flow in to you from every quarter, as
the guardian and protector of our rights and liber-
ties, and who alone in the present instances, can
avert the many evils that threaten our ruin.
We therefore most fervently request that the
treaty between Great Britain and the United States,
may not receive your ratification, till it undergo
such alterations as shall render it conducive to the
interest, honour, and lasting peace of our country."
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 311
They voted, That this town heartily approve of
the conduct of Mr. Langdon, and his nine patriotic
associates, in opposing the ratification of the treaty
between Great Britain and the United States of
America. And they voted the thanks of this town
to Mr. S. T. Mason, a Senator from Virginia, for his
patriotism in publishing the treaty unduly withheld
by the Senate from the people.
This treaty caused a great ferment among the
inhabitants. The other Senator in Congress from
New-Hampshire had voted for its ratification. A
counter address to the President was drawn up and
signed by a large number of individuals. But to
prevent its being sent on, two or three hundred of
the enraged populace assembled, and armed with
clubs paraded the streets, with drums beating, and
carrying the eflSgies of the commissioners, who made
the treaty, and the Senator, who voted for its rati-
fication ; insulted many of the signers of the address,
broke their windows and fences, injured their trees,
and with threats of personal injury and violence
demanded the address of the person, who had it in
possession. After keeping the town in terror and
confusion several hours, they burnt the efiigies, and
then dispersed. Ten of the principal persons, con-
cerned in this riot, were indicted at the next Supe-
rior Court.
In December, a company was incorporated by the
name of the Proprietors of the Portsmouth Pier.
They purchased the estate at the end of Buck, now
312 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
State-street, lately belonging to the honourable
Henry Sherburne, deceased, and extended the pier
or wharf three hundred and forty feet, and its aver-
age breadth is about sixty-five feet ; on the south
side is a building, three hundred and twenty feet in
length, thirty feet in breadth, and three stories
high, which is divided into fourteen stores.
At the annual meeting, the town authorized the
selectmen to purchase a large fire-engine of the best
construction.
Colonel Michael Wentworth died at New- York,
the 25th of September, aged seventy-six. He was
born at Yorkshire, in England, and was nearly allied
to the Marquis of Rockingham, and Earl of Straf-
ford, who were distinguished members of the Went-
worth family, in that country. His elder brother,
Peregrine Wentworth, inherited the paternal estate,
and as is commonly the case there, other provision
was to be made for the younger son. Colonel Went-
worth accordingly entered the army very early in
life, and served under the Duke of Cumberland, in
Great Britain, and on the continent. He acted as
a volunteer in the battle of Culloden, on the 15th
of April, 1745, when the Duke obtained the deci-
sive victory over the rebels, which put an end to
the hopes and prospects of the pretender, Charles
Stuart. The May following he was in France ; and
was engaged in the famous battle of Fontenoy, when
the French troops, commanded by Marshal Saxe,
gained a complele victory over the allied army un-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 313
der command of the Duke of Cumberland, but al-
though the English and their allies were unfortunate
in the issue of this engagement, the celebrated solid
column in which Mr. Wentworth held a subordinate
command, routed the French guards, during the
engagement. He continued his connexion with the
array, some time after the peace in 1748, by the
treaty of Aix la Chapelle, and, having disposed of
his commission, he returned to England, and passed
a few years with his brother and other friends. He
came to this country in 1767, and in 1770 married
the widow of the late Governor Benning Went-
worth, who possessed an ample fortune, fixed his
residence at Little-Harbour, the seat of the late
Governor, where he enjoyed during the remainder
of his life, otium cum dignitate.
He possessed an excellent constitution, which he
preserved by frequent exercise. He always rode
on horseback, when he had occasion to travel ; and
generally enjoyed good health, and a fine flow of
animal spirits. He thought no man old, notwith-
standing he had lived many years, whose mental
faculties, vigour, and activity, were unimpaired.
He was remarkably fond of music, and excelled in
playing on the violin. His manners were those of
an accomplished gentleman : his acquaintance with
mankind, and social habits rendered him a very
pleasing companion.
40
314 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1796.
The society, which usually worship in the meet-
ing-house in Pitt-street, were incorporated by an
act of the Legislature by the name of the Inde-
pendent Congregational Society.
Mr. Blanchard, the famous aeronaut, sent up a
balloon, which ascended very majestically. At a
certain height, a parachute was detached from it,
which immediately opened and gradually fell to the
ground.
1797.
March 10th. The honourable John Sherburne
departed this life in the seventy-seventh year of
his age. After a night of undisturbed repose, he
awoke in the morning at his usual hour, enquired of
his servant concerning the state of the weather,
gave some directions respecting his domestic affairs,
and soon after arose ; and having partly dressed, lay
down again on the bed, turned upon his side, and
instantly expired, without a struggle or a groan.
Mr. Sherburne was educated a merchant, and
followed the profession with reputation and success.
He was employed early in life in public business,
and for a long series of years was elected represent-
ative for this town in the Legislature of the prov-
ince. He was Register of the Court of Vice Ad-
miralty, and Judge of Probate ; which offices he
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 315
held until the commencement of the revolution.
He was likewise one of his Majesty's Council for
this province. But notwithstanding his holding
these several offices under the crown, he was an
early, active, and uniform opponent of the measures
of the British Cabinet, to bring this country into
subjection.
As a professor of religion, he endeavoured to live
agreeably to the precepts of the gospel, and to prac*
tice those virtues, which are there recommended.
On the 28th of September, died Doctor Hall
Jackson, after a short illness, in the fifty-eighth year
of his age. In visiting some patients, his sulkey
was overset, whereby several ribs were fractured,
and a fever ensued, which terminated his life.
Doctor Jackson was born in this town, and received
the first rudiments of his education in the public
schools here. He studied the theory of physic and
surg€ry, under the direction of his father. Doctor
Clement Jackson. After completing his studies
here, he went to London, and attended lectures
in the public hospitals there, to perfect himself in
surgery. Upon his return to this country, he
opened an apothecary's shop, but his practice as a
physician soon became so extensive, that he was
obliged to relinquish in a great measure, his busi-
ness as a druggist, and attend almost entirely to his
profession, j^s a physician, he was skilful ; as a
surgeon, eminent. No operation of importance was
performed for many miles round, without consulting
316 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
him, and seldom without his aid. He had great
experience in the small-pox ; and many hospitals,
which were established for inoculating with that
disorder, were committed to his care, and he was
remarkably successful in conducting his patients
safely through the disease. In the obstetric art he
obtained high reputation, and was frequently appli-
ed to for advice and assistance in difficult cases, by
persons who did not generally employ him. He
frequently performed the operation of couching,
and always with success. Harvard College confer-
red on him the degree of Doctor of Medicine ; and
he was elected an honorary member of the Massa-
chusetts Medical Society. He was Grand Master
of the Free and Accepted Masons in New-Hamp-
shire, at the time of his decease. His sprightly
talents, lively imagination, and social habits, ren-
dered him an agreeable companion ; facetious and
pleasant in conversation, his friends enjoyed in his
company " the feast of reason,'' with the flow of
wit ; and the several societies of which he was a
member, found their entertainment greatly height-
ened by his presence.
1798.
January 18th. The Crescent, frigate, mounting
thirty-two guns, sailed for the Mediterranean. She
was built in this port, under the superintendence
of Colonel James Hackett, and is esteemed one of
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 317
the finest specimens of naval architecture, that ever
floated on the waters of the Piscataqua. This frig-
ate is a present from the United States, to the Dey
of Algiers, and was supposed, including her cargo,
to be worth at least three hundred thousand dollars.
In the summer, an epidemic disorder, commonly
called the yellow fever, broke out at the north end.
The inhabitants in the vicinity, generally removed,
and by that means stopped its extensive progress.
The town appointed a committee, consisting of five
physicians, and requested them to publish from time
to time such regulations for the observance of the
inhabitants, as in their opinion may have the great-
est tendency to prevent the spreading of the fever.
It proved very fatal to those who were attacked
with it. At the same time the dysentery prevailed
at the south end. From the 20th of July, to the
6th of October, one hundred and seven persons
died, fifty-five with the fever, and fifty-two with
the dysentery and other disorders. Among the
fifty-two, were twenty-nine young children.
The Federal Observer was first published by
William Treadwell and Samuel Hart, on the 2Sd
day of November.*
1799.
The Republican Ledger was commenced by
George Jerry Osborne, jr. in the month of Sep-
tember.
* This paper was discontinued June 12th, 1800.
318 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The Rev. Timothy Alden was ordained Collegiate
pastor with the Rev. Doctor Haven, of the south
church and parish, on the 20th of November.
Tuesday, the 31st day of December, was set
apart to commemorate the death of the illustrious
Washington, who departed this life the 14th of this
month. At an early hour all public offices, stores,
and shops were closed ; business and pleasure were
suspended. At 1 1 o'clock a procession moved from
the Assembly-room, to St. John's-Church, in the
following order :
The Companies of Artillery, Light Infantry, and
Governor Oilman's Blues, with muffled drums, music
in crape, arms reversed, side-arms with black bows.
Martial music playing the dead march in Saul.
The Grand Lodge of New-Hampshire, accompanied
by St. John's Lodge, and many visiting brethren,
in the habiliments of their order. The Orator and
Rector of St. John's-Church; United States' Mili-
tary Officers ; Commissioned Officers of the Militia ;
Selectmen ; Clergy ; Citizens and strangers, two and
two. When the processsion entered the Church, a
solemn piece of music was performed on the organ.
Rev. Mr. Willard read the service of the Church,
and Jonathan M. Sewall, Esq. pronounced an eulo-
gy on the sorrowful occasion. A vast concourse of
people attended, and almost every individual of
respectability, wore crape as a badge of mourning,
and all the shipping in the harbour hoisted their
flags half-mast high.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 319
" From heart to heart, the soft infection ran,
All orders wept the great, the Godlike man ;"
One tear pervaded every melting eye.
And mourning thousands heav'd one common sigh i
Here pious zeal, and frantic rage were lost,
The only contest, who should weep him most ;
Each different name was swallowed up in one,
That name, the glorious name of Washington.
1800.
According to the enumeration, made pursuant to
an act of Congress, passed July 9th, 1798, there are
in this town, six hundred twenty-six dwelling hou-
ses ; of these eighty-six are one story, five hundred
twenty-four are two stories, and sixteen are three
stories high. The number of inhabitants, by the
census amounted to five thousand, three hundred
and thirty-nine.
The town erected a building for the market,
on the lot purchased for that purpose, near the
parade. The building is eighty feet loiig, and two
stories high. The lower story, which is designed
for the market is twelve feet high. The upper
story, which is fourteen feet high, is designed for
public uses, and is called Jefferson-hall. One hun-
dred and forty-five thousand bricks were used in
the building, and were laid in thirty-nine days.
A number of persons were incorporated the 19th
December, 1797, by the name of the Proprietors of
320 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the Portsmouth Aqueduct. The water is conveyed
into town by wooden pipes, from a spring, situated
in the outskirts of the town, about three miles
distant from the Court-house. The proprietors be-
gan to lay the pipes last year, and have novv so far
completed it, that two hundred and fourteen houses
and stores are supplied with water. It is conveyed
into most of the streets in town, and the spring
yields great abundance for the supply of all the in-
habitants. The water is of an excellent quality.
1801.
About half past three o'clock in the afternoon, on
Sunday, the first of March, there was a considerable
earthquake. The sound appeared to come from the
northwest, and continued about thirty seconds. It
resembled the rumbling of a coach, passing moder-
ately over frozen ground ; and was attended with a
tremulous motion of the earth, which was very per-
ceptible in all parts of this town. Some supposed
their cliimnies were on fire, until their windows
began to rattle. In one house a waiter, which stood
edgewise under the table, was thrown down, and in
another, the small house bell was rung, and in va-
rious instances the crockery on the shelves made a
gentle clattering. The shock was perceived on
board vessels in the harbour ; cattle and fowls dis-
covered marks of fear. The weather was mild and
pleasant.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 321
1802.
Among the Physicians of this town, who have at-
tained considerable eminence, Doctor Joshua Brack-
et! holds a conspicuous place. He was born at
Greenland in May, 1733. In his early youth, he
attended the public school in his native town, but
as his parents intended him for one of the learned
professions, they determined to give him a collegi-
ate education ; and placed him under the tuition of
the Rev. Mr. Rust, of Stratham. He was there
prepared for admission into Harvard College, where
he was graduated in 1752. He then applied him-
self to the study of theology, with an intention to
qualify himself for the gospel ministry. Having
made some progress in his studies, he was licens-
ed by the association and preached a short time.
He was induced to enter on this profession,
more to gratify the wishes of his parents, than
to follow his own inclinations, and he soon re-
linquished it for the practice of physic, which
was more cong&nial with the natural bent of his
mind. He pursued his medical studies under
the direction of Doctor Clement Jackson, who was
then at the head of the profession here. The
medical student at that time, laboured under ma-
ny disadvantages, which he would not at present
experience. By assiduous attention to his books,
with the benefit of seeing Dr. Jackson's extensive
practice. Doctor Brackett laid the best foundation
41
322 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
for knowledge in the profession, his opportunities
afTorded. He had a taste for literature, particularly
for those branches, which led to the examination of
the works of nature. Having completed his terra
with Doctor Jackson, he commenced business in this
town, and soon obtained the reputation of a skilful
and successful practitioner. In 1783, the Massa-
chusetts Medical Society elected him an honorary
member, " and in 1791, he was complimented by
his Alma Mater, with a medical doctorate." When
the New-Hampshire Medical Society was organized
in 1791, he was elected the first Vice President,
and in 1793, succeeded Governor Bartlett as Presi-
dent of the society. He continued in that office
until 1799, when his declining health obliged him
to resign. He had been a zealous promoter, and
an active member of this institution. The benefit
arising from the regular meetings of members, and
their reciprocal communications of their personal
experience in extraordinary cases, was very evi-
dent, as it would be the means of diff'using their
knowledge more extensively. On the first forma-
tion of the society, it was intended to establish a
medical library, and Doctor Brackett laid the foun-
dation of it, by presenting them one hundred and
forty three volumes of valuable books in that branch
of science. When he declined a reelection to the
presidency, the society made their " respectful ac-
knowledgments to him for his diligent and friendly
attention to its interests, and for his liberal donation
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 323
to it." ^' His profession, in which he shone with
eminence, was his peculiar delight, as the native
bias of his soul, led him to tiie relief of those wants
and distresses, which it continually presented to his
view. To increase his knowledge and usefulness in
it, his reading, which was uncommonly extensive,
his observations, which were accurate, and his re-
flections, which were judicious, were principally
directed. In medicine his motto was, Imitate Na-
ture. He was extremely attentive to his patients,
and spared no pains to investigate the cause and the
jiature of their maladies, and to afford relief. While
a happy general success attended his professional
ministration, his tenderness and sympathy with the
sons and daughters of disease and distress, were
striking traits in his character, and greatly endear
his memory."
Doctor Brackett had a great taste for natural his-
tory, and botany, and was very desirous that a pro-
fessorship in those branches of philosophy should be
established at the University of Cambridge. A
short time before his decease he requested his amia-
ble consort, who always made his wishes the rule of
her conduct, to convey certain property, worth
about fifteen hundred dollars, when she should no
longer need the use of it, to the corporation of
Harvard College, for the above purpose.
Doctor Brackett was appointed Judge of the
Maritime Court for this State, at the beginning of
the revolutionary war, and held the office until the
324 AxNNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
duties of it were transferred to the District Court,
after the adoption of the Federal Constitution. His
health was visibly on the decline, and his constitu-
tion gradually decaying for a considerable time be-
fore his decease. He resolved at length, to try the
eJBicacy of the Saratoga waters, and visited that
place the latter end of June. But finding his dis-
order rapidly increasing, and that he must soon sink
under it, he returned home the 9th of July, and
departed this life on Saturday the 17th of the same
month. His remains were interred on the Monday
following, " and the tears of the widow and the
orpiian watered his grave."
He was of a mild and placid disposition, social
and unaffected in his manners ; benevolence was a
prominent trait in his character, and philanthropy
always regulated every movement of his soul.
The denomination of Christians, usually called
Free-will Baptists, formed a society in this town.
Sunday, December 26, about four o'clock in the
morning, the town was alarmed by the cry of fire ;
which was discovered in the building, occupied by
the New-Hampshire Bank. Before many of the
inhabitants could assemble, the fire burst out
through the sides of the house, which was soon
enveloped in flames. The fire was communicated to
the adjacent buildings with such great rapidity, as
to render it impossible to arrest its progress, until a
large proportion of the town was laid in ashes. Ev-
ery building on the parade, except the meeting-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 325
house and Court-house, was destroyed. The upper
end of Daniel-street was consumed as far as Captain
Elijah Hall's on the north side, and Mrs. Hart's on
the south, whose houses were preserved. To the
northward the destruction was far more extensive.
The buildings on Market-street and Fore-street, as
high as Mrs. Whipple's, those on Bow-street, as far
as Mr. Cutts' store on Church-hill, those on Cross-
street to the top of Dvvyer's hill, and those on
Ladd-street, except one, fell victims to the devour-
ing flames. The amount of property destroyed was
estimated at the sum of two hundred thousand dol-
lars.
The selectmen appointed a committee of five gen-
tlemen to receive such donations as the charitable
and benevolent may be disposed to make to those
who suffered by the fire, and requested the commit-
tee to distribute the same among such of the suffer-
ers as they think proper, and to return an account
of their doings to the selectmen.
The donations received by the committee amount-
ed to the sum of forty-five thousand four hundred
ten dollars, forty-three cents. And the committee
kept an account of the receipts and distributions,
which was open for the inspection of every one,
who desired to see it.
The honourable George Jaffrey died towards the
close of this year, aged eighty-six years. He re-
ceived a public education at Harvard College, and
took his degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1736. After
326 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
leaving College he entered into trade and naviga-
tion. In 1744, the Superior Court of Judicature
appointed him their Clerk, which office he held
twenty-two years. He was admitted one of his
Majesty's Council in 1766, and was soon after ap-
pointed Treasurer of the province; and discharged
the duties of that office until the commencement of
the revolution. When the provincial convention
ordered all the puhlic offices to he removed from
Portsmouth to Exeter, they appointed Nicholas
Oilman, Esq. Treasurer, and Mr. Jaffrey paid over
to him the sum of fifteen hundred sixteen pounds
four shillings and eight pence, being the amount
of public monies in his hands.
Mr. Jaffrey possessed a large real estate, and be-
ing one of the original purchasers of Mason's patent,
the proprietors elected him their Clerk, in which
office he continued until his death. He differed in
sentiment from the leaders of the revolution, and
was several times molested on account of his politi-
cal opinion. He was a gentleman of the strict-
est integrity and uprightness of conduct, punc-
tual in all his dealings, and correct in his deport-
ment.
1803.
May 5th. Thursday night, about ten o'clock,
the barn of Isaac Shepard, situated near the pound,
was accidentally, but carelessly set on fire, by a
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. . 327
traveller who went into the barn with a lanthorn to
feed his cattle. The barn was filled with hay, and
was soon enveloped in flames. The fire caught the
roof of the dwelling house, which stood near, but
by the spirited exertions of the citizens, the house
was saved without having received much damage.
The Baptist society purchased a lot of land on
Prison-lane, on which they erected a meeting-house.
At the sale of the pews, it was declared, " That the
house shall be open at all suitable times and seasons
for the improvement of every ministerial gift, of
every denomination, if the preacher shall be of
reputable character ; which times and seasons, and
other discretionary concerns of said society, shall be
decided by the deacons of the Church, or by the
standing committee of said society.'^
The Legislature incorporated a society by the
name of the New-Hampshire Fire and Marine In-
surance Company. Their officers are to consist of a
President, Secretary, and twelve directors; their
capital stock is to be fifty thousand dollars.
At the same session the Legislature granted a
charter to the Portsmouth Bank, which is to con-
tinue in operation twenty years, with a capital of
one hundred thousand dollars. The principal rea-
son assigned for requesting this charter, was, that
the New-Hampshire Fire and Marine Insurance
Company might have a safe and suitable place to
deposit their stock and monies belonging to their
office.
328 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The associated Mechanics and Manufacturers of
New-Hampshire, were likewise incorporated at the
same session. The design of this institution, is to
promote and encourage industry; good habits; an
increase of knowledge in the arts they profess and
practice, and their common interest ; to promote
good order ; to assist each other in times of diffi-
culty, and to add to the dignity, respectability,
and prosperity of this useful body of citizens.
The society is to consist entirely of Mechanics and
Manufacturers ; and to gain admission, the candi-
date must produce a certificate from his master,
or some other acceptable person, that he has faith-
fully fulfilled his engagements as an apprentice ;
is of a good moral character, and must obtain
the votes of two thirds the members present at
any regular meeting. Fees for admission are
four dollars. The officers of the institution are a
President, Vice President, Treasurer, six Trustees,
Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Marshal, Deputy
Marshal, and standard bearer ; all of whom are to
be chosen separately by ballot.
The Rev. Timothy Alden formed a plan for mak-
ing salt of sea-water by evaporation, upon a very
extensive scale ; and a number of gentlemen associat-
ed for the purpose of carrying the same into effect.
On the 17th of December they obtained an act of in-
corporation from the Legislature, making them a
body corporate and politic by the name of the Pro-
prietors of the Portsmouth Salt-works.
ANNALS OF POUTSMOUTH. 329
The management of the concerns of this society,
was committed to seven directors; and they erected
works for manufacturing salt, at a great expense in
Kittery, on the eastern bank of the Piscataqua.
After expending large sums of money, the plan
proved abortive, and the society was dissolved.
1804.
The Piscataqua Missionary Society was formed in
this town the 12th of June. Its object is ^< the in-
crease of Christian knowledge and evangelical pie-
ty : the promotion of the present well being, and
eternal salvation of men.'' The officers consist of a
President, Secretary, and a board of Trustees, not
exceeding seven, to be chosen annually by ballot :
some, but not more than three of whom, to be of
the laity. The President and Secretary, to be trus-
tees ex officio. The trustees, to appoint a Treasur-
er, who is to be under bonds. Every minister may
admit members upon their subscribing the constitu-
tion, and paying two dollars, and each member shall
pay two dollars annually.
A number of ladies associated for the purpose of
supporting and educating Female orphan children,
from three to ten years of age. Their funds were
raised by subscription, and placed under the care of
a board of managers. They were incorporated by
the name of the Portsmouth Female Asylum.
43
330 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
December 8th. On Saturday evening a large
barn belonging to Mr. Moses Brewster, at the
plains in this town, was consumed by fire, together
with fifteen head of cattle, seventeen tons of hay,
and all his farming utensils.
On the Monday evening following, a barn of Mr.
Samuel Sherburne, also at the plains and in the
same neighbourhood, was entirely consumed by fire,
with a quantity of hay, his horse, chaise, and a
number of farming utensils. And on Tuesday eve-
ning the 18th another barn of Mr. Sherburne's,
was also destroyed by fire, with fifteen head of cat-
tle, thirty tons of hay, a quantity of flax, and his
remaining farming utensils. The fire had made so
great progress in these buildings before it was dis-
covered, and the distance from the compact part of
the town was so great, that they were nearly con-
sumed before the inhabitants could reach the place.
There is no doubt but that the fire was kindled at
each time by an incendiary. The selectmen offered
a reward of three hundred dollars to any person,
who shall give sufficient evidence against the perpe-
trator, to convict him.
1805.
Sunday morning, January 13th, departed this life
after a long and distressing illness, the honourable
Vv'oodbury Langdon, in the sixty-sixth year of his
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 331
age. Mr. Langdon was born in this town, and re-
ceived his education at the public schools here, prin-
cipally under the tuition of Major Hale. Upon
leaving school he went into the counting-house of
the honourable Henry Sherburne, one of the most
eminent merchants of this place. After spending
some time in this situation, he went several voy-
ages to sea, and then established himself as a mer-
chant here. He was enterprising and industrious
in his business, and had accumulated some property
at the beginning of the American revolution, a con-
siderable part of which, was in England. To secure
this property, and to transfer it to this country, he
made a voyage to England, after the commencement
of hostilities, and returned the year following, hav-
ing accomplished the object of his voyage. After
his return he entered warmly into the politics of
the day, and took a very active part in opposition
to the British Cabinet. He held many important
offices under the State and General Government.
He was a member of the Legislature of this State
for many successive years, either as a representative
from this town, or senator for the district. In 1781,
his elegant house in which he resided, w^as consum-
ed by fire. He was at Exeter attending the Gene-
ral Court, when this catastrophe happened. In
1782, he was appointed a Justice of the Superior
Court of Judicature, which office he resigned the
year following. Upon the adoption of the State
Constitution; he was elected a senator. In 1786^
332 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
he was again appointed a Justice of the Superior
Court, and held the office four years. But some
complaints having arisen that he did not regularly
attend the Courts, an impeachment was drawn up
against him, and passed by the House of Repre-
sentatives. The Senate met at Exeter, to try
the impeachment, when it was suggested that
they had not power to meet in the recess of
the General Court, and the trial was postponed to
the next session. In the mean time, Mr. Langdon
was appointed by the President of the United
States one of the commissioners for settling the
public accounts ; he resigned his office as Justice of
the Court, and the impeachment was never prose-
cuted.
A company associated for building a bathing
house; which they placed in Cross-street, on a lot
purchased for the purpose ; the building is fifty feet
long and twenty feet wide, and has three bathing
rooms on each side, to each of which, hot and cold
water are conveyed by pipes. The company were
incorporated by act of the Legislature the 27th of
November, 1804. The building was erected the
present summer. Tickets for bathing are sold at
twenty-five cents each, or five for a dollar.
The honourable John Pickering, LL D. died on
Thursday the 13th day of April, in the sixty-eighth
year of his age. Mr. Pickering was born at New-
ington, and was fitted for College by the Rev. Jo-
seph Adams, minister of that place. He was grad-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 333
uated at Harvard College in 1761, and at first, turn-
ed his attention to divinity ; but afterwards applied
himself to the study of law. He was admitted to
the bar and opened- an office at Greenland, but
shortly after removed to this town, and soon distin-
guished himself as an advocate and counsellor. In
his early age he became a professor of religion,
'^ and was remarkably exemplary in all the walks of
private, social, and public life." The wardens and
vestry of Trinity Church in Boston, invited him to
settle there as a colleague with the Rev. Doctor
Walter, but he declined accepting the invitation;
preferring the profession of the law, in which he
was already established. He supposed it would
afford him as ample a field for the exercise of his
talents, and give him as good an opportunity of
promoting the cause of justice and humanity, as he
should have in the ministry. He was candid and
liberal in his practice, and faithful to his clients.
He never refused to espouse the cause of the injur-
ed, notwithstanding in many instances, he had no
prospect of pecuniary reward. Always endeavour-
ing to promote the cause of Justice, he was con-
sidered an ornainent to the bar. Conscious of
the rectitude of his own intentions, he was slow to
suspect others of being influenced by improper mo-
tives. " His temper was placid, his manners gen-
tle, his disposition kind and benevolent, his habits, so-
cial. In conversation he was pleasant, instructive,
and entertaining, and in his expressions remarka-
334 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
bly chaste and elegant." Although abounding in
wit, he never indulged it to excite any unpleasant
sensations in the bosoms of his friends. He was an
honorary member of the Massachusetts Humane
Society, and of the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences; and the Government of Dartmouth Col-
lege conferred on him the degree of Doctor of
Laws.
The confidence, placed in him by his fellow citi-
zens, appears by their frequently electing him to
some of the most important offices in their power
to bestow. He was a delegate from this town to
the convention for forming the State Constitution,
v,^hich was adopted in 1783; and was a very influ-
ential member. The public are indebted to him for
many important articles in that instrument.
He was likewise a delegate to the convention of
this State, which adopted the Constitution of the
United States, in 1788. His eloquence, and powers
of reasoning probably had great effect, in procuring
its adoption. For several years, he held a seat in
the Legislature of the state, either as a representa-
tive of this town, a counsellor for the county, or
senator for the district : In each of these offices, his
only object was to promote the public good, and
his skill in jurisprudence, enabled him to discern it.
After the adoption of the Federal Constitution,
Governor Langdon, who was elected a senator of the
United States, resigned his office of Chief Magis-
trate of the state ; Mr. Pickering as senior senator,
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 335
presided the remainder of the year. In 1790, he
was appointed Chief Justice of the Superior Court
of Judicature, which office he held until the year
1795, when he was appointed Judge of the District
Court of New-Hampshire. His great legal knowl-
edge, his integrity and eminent abilities qualified
him for these judicial offices. But alas ! the most
brilliant talents are obscured when reason is de-
throned. A few years previous to his decease, his
rational faculties became impaired, and mental de-
rangement succeeded. Whilst labouring under this
afflicting dispensation of Providence, he was remov-
ed from office ; notwithstanding the principles of
law, do not hold a person amenable for his conduct,
when deprived of his reason. ^< During his last
confinement he had some lucid intervals, and at
such times he invariably expressed his firm belief
in the Christian religion, the fullest confidence in a
future state, and his hope of happiness through the
Redeemer."
August 12th. The pastoral relation between the
Rev. Mr. Alden, and the south church and parish,
was dissolved agreeable to the advice of an ecclesi-
astical council. The church and congregation gave
him a full and unanimous recommendation. The
cause of their separation, was the inadequacy of the
stipulated salary for his support.
October 5th. Early on Monday morning the
barn of Nathaniel Adams was intentionally set on
fire by an incendiary, and entirely consumed, with
336 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
several tons of hay.. Attempts had been made the
week previous to burn his dwelling house, and other
buildings. Suspicions were strongly, and almost
universally excited against a certain person, whom
the Attorney-General caused to be arrested and
imprisoned in the absence, and without the knowl-
edge of Mr. Adams.
The person suspected remained in prison until
the next Supreme Judicial Court, and was then
tried and acquitted.
1806.
The Rev. Samuel Haven, D. D. pastor of the
south church, departed this life March 3d, in the
seventy-ninth year of his age, and fifty-fourth of
his ministry. Doctor Haven was born at Framing-
ham, Massachusetts, the 4th of August, 1727. He
received a liberal education at Harvard College,
where he was graduated in 1749. He early devot-
ed himself to the study of divinity, and by close
application, laid the foundation for that eminence in
the profession, which he afterwards attained. He
soon became popular as a preacher, and at about the
same time received invitations to settle in the min-
istry at Brookline, Massachusetts, and at the south
parish in this town. The literary advantages which
he would enjoy at Brookline, from its vicinity to
the College was a strong inducement for him to set-
tle there, but the unanimity of the parish, and the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 337
prospect of more extensive usefulness in the minis-
try here, made him give the preference to this
town. He w^as ordained in May, 1752, a short time
before he took his degree of Master of Arts. His
sermons were in general, <« plain, serious, and prac-
tical ; his applications were warm addresses to the
heart and conscience. '' He was frequently called
upon to officiate on occasions where talents, improv-
ed by education were required, and he always ac-
quitted himself with reputation. In his visits to
the sick and to the house of mourning, he was pe-
culiarly ^'' the son of consolation.^' Possessing a
great degree of sensibility, his feelings were alive
to the sorrows of his friends, and the tender sympa-
thy of his nature prompted him to afford them re-
lief. The Doctor had a taste for poetry, and a few
occasional pieces, the productions of his pen, which
have been published, "shew the liveliness of his
imagination, and the warmth of his heart." In
1770, the University of Edinburgh conferred on
him the degree of Doctor in Divinity ; and sev-
eral years afterwards he received the same degree
from Dartmouth College.
His natural disposition was mild and pleasant, in
his religious sentiments he was remarkably catholic
towards all denominations of Christians ; and his
benevolence and candour increased with his increas-
ing years.
Mrs. Haven attended him in the closing scenes of
life, and performed those offices, which are expect-
43
338 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ed from a tender and aflectionate wife. After hav-
ing discharged these duties, and seen him close his
eyes in death, she sunk under the weight of afflic-
tion, and died the next day. They were both
deposited at the same time in the tomb under his
pulpit, and the Rev. Doctor Buckminster preached
upon the sorrowful occasion.
The pastoral relation between St. John's Church
and the Rev. Joseph Willard, was dissolved by
mutual consent the 20th day of March, and Mr.
Willard removed to Newark, in New-Jersey.
Monday, June 16th. The attention of the in-
habitants of this town and its vicinity was attracted
by an unusual, but splendid phenomenon, a total
eclipse of the sun. The day was uncommonly line ;
not a cloud was seen in any part of our hemisphere.
The air was dry and clear ; and all nature yielded
the fairest opportunity for observation ; but there
were no preparations made here for observing it
with accuracy. The eclipse began a few minutes
after ten in the morning, and continued till nearly
half past twelve. Its duration was about two hours,
forty four minutes. The total obscuration continu-
ed upwards of four minutes, during which time the
moon was surrounded by a luminous ring ; the outer
edge of which, w^s not well defined, but was irreg-
ular or indented, it was of a pale white colour, and
vivid coruscations appeared to issue from it. As
the eclipse advanced, a cold chilliness affected the
air, the thermometer fell several degrees, fowls
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 339
went to roost, several stars of the first and second
magnitude were seen with the naked eye. Venus
was visible more than half an hour ; a brightness,
resembling twilight, surrounded the hemisphere ten
or fifteen degrees above the horizon, and every
thing had the appearance of the approach of night.
The whole scene was sublime and beautiful. Total
eclipses of the sun rarely occur, and still more rare-
ly in places where they can be observed. One took
place at London the 22d of April, 1715, which was
accurately observed by Doctor Halley, who remarks,
that there had not been a total eclipse of the sun at
London, since the 20th of March, 1140.
Wednesday morning, December 24th, between
the hours of five and six^ a fire broke out in a
store, situated on Bow-street, occupied by Stephen
Little. Before many of the inhabitants could be
assembled, the flames had made so great progress
that there was no possibility of saving it. The fire
communicated to a store on the west, belonging to
the heirs of the honourable George Jaffrey, deceas-
ed, one apartment of which, was consumed. To
the eastward, it extended to the dwelling house and
coopers shop of Mr. James Day, which were con-
sumed with all the intermediate buildings! The
stores were generally full of merchandize, most of
which was destroyed or lost. During the confla-
gration, some burning shingles or other light stuff*,
lodged on the steeple of St. John's Church, and set
it on fire. The most powerful engine could not
340 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
throw water high enough to extinguish it. An at-
tempt was made to cut down the steeple, but did
not succeed. The fire reached the main body of
the church, and it fell a sacrifice to the devouring
flames. The private property destroyed by this
fire, was estimated at seventy thousand dollars. A
munificent public contributed to the relief of the
sufferers four thousand three hundred dollars,
which were distributed among the most necessitous.
The fire is supposed to have originated from a
hearth, which was only one thickness of brick, laid
on timbers. Several buildings were taken down to
stop the progress of the fire ; for which the town,
in its corporate capacity, paid the individuals, who
owned them, their estimated value.
December 25th. The parishioners of St John's
Church, met in the north meeting-house to celebrate
Christmas. The Church service was performed by
a lay reader, and the Rev. Doctor Buckminster
preached a very appropriate sermon on the occasion,
from the words, ^' Our holy and our beautiful house,
where our fathers praised thee, is burnt up with fire."
1807.
The proprietors and parishioners of St. John's
Church, held a meeting at the east chamber of the
Court-house, on the 10th day of January, and au-
thorized a number of persons, who had subscribed
Xor the purpose, to erect a chapel on the same lot of
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 341
land, where their former chapel stood, and empow-
ered them to make sale of all the seats and pews to be
erected in said chapel, for their own use and benefit.
The south parish, being destitute of a minister at
this time, very generously offered the use of their
meeting-house to the Episcopal Church, and the
two societies united in public worship through the
summer.
On Wednesday, the 24th of June, the corner stone
of St. John's Church was laid by the most Worship-
ful Thomas Thompson, Esq. Grand Master of Masons
in New-Hampshire ; assisted by the Grand Lodge
and many other brethren of the order.
A procession was formed at the Lodge Room,
which moved to the site of the church, in the fol-
lowing order :
Washington Lodge;
St. John's Lodge;
Band of Music;
Principal Architect with the plate;
Architects with implements;
Subscribers for rebuilding the Church;
Committee of the Subscribers;
New-Hampshire Military Officers in town;
>"• United States Military Officers; Selectmen of Portsmouth;
New-Hampshire Civil Officers in town;
United States Civil Officers;
Gentlemen of distinction;
Foreigners of distinction;
Clergymen;
Grand Lodge ;
The Governor and his aids, immediately preceding the
Grand Master.
342 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The ceremony commenced at high twelve, by
singing an ode ; then the Giand Master, assisted by
the craft, proceeded to lay the corner stone in am-
ple form ; under which, were deposited the coins of
the United States, medals of the illustrious Wash-
ington, and a silver plate with the following in-
scription :
A. D. 1732,
Queen's Chapel was built on this spot;
A. D. 1791,
It received the name of St. John's Church,
by act of incorporation;
December 24, 1806,
It was burned to the ground;
June 24, 1807, A. L. lOODCCCVII,
This Corner Stone was laid in ample form,
by Thomas Thompson, Esquire,
Grand Master of Masons in New-Hampshire,
duly assisted
By the Grand Lodge, and St. John's Lodge, No. I ;
And honoured by the presence of
John Langdon, Esq. Governor of the State,
and the principal Citizens of Portsmouth;
XXXIst year
of the Independence of the United States of America;
Thomas Jefferson,
President.
ON THE REVERSE.
This plate, with the medals and coins,
were presented
By St. John's Lodge, No. 1 ,
Portsmouth, New-Hampshire.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 343
The gold, silver, and copper coins and medals,
the bank bills and written inscription, were all her-
metically sealed in separate glass bottles by the
Grand Secretary.
Lyman Spaulding, M. D.
Andrew Gerrish, Sculpt.
An oration was then delivered by the Grand
Chaplain, an ode composed for the occasion, was
sung, and the procession returned in the same order.
The attack made by the British ship Leopard,
upon the United States ship Chesapeake, off Cape
Henry, excited great alarm and resentment through-
out the United States. A large and respectable
meeting of the inhabitants of Portsmouth, and the
adjoining towns, was held at the State-house in this
town, on the 13th of July, when the follow^ing re-
solves were passed :
Resolved, unanimously. That we view the treach-
erous, unprovoked, and dastardly attack of the Brit-
ish ship Leopard on the United States frigate Ches-
apeake, while in the confidence of friendship she
was trusting to a state of peace, as set forth in the
President's proclamation, to be an act of hostility
against the sovereignty and independence of our
country, which ought to excite the indignation and
resentment of every American citizen.
Resolved, unanimously. That the measures adopt-
ed by our administration, are in our opinion, wise,
prudent, and dignified, and that we will cheerfully
submit to any sacrifices, which the necessity of the
344 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
times may require, in giving all possible support to
them and to all others, our government may think
proper to pursue for obtaining all honourable repar-
ation, for the injuries and insults our nation has suf-
fered.
Resolved, unanimously. That the prompt, manly
and patriotic measures taken by our brethren of
Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Richmond, and
their vicinities, before the will of our government
could be known, were highly honourable to them-
selves, and merit the thanks of every friend to
American independence.
Resolved, unanimously. That whereas the ef-
fective power of a free nation, essentially depends
on the degree of harmony and confidence, that is
known to exist between the people and their rulers ;
that we will consider as enemies to our country, all,
who at such a crisis as the present, shall directly or
indirectly use means to impede the due execution of
such regulations, as our government may see fit to
appoint.
Samuel Hale, Esq. A. A. S. was born at Newbu-
ry, Massachusetts, in 1718, and was graduated at
Harvard College, in 1740. Soon after leaving Col-
lege, he was engaged as an ofiicer in the Louisburg
expedition, and sustained the rank of Major. Af-
ter the object of this expedition was successfully
accomplished, and the army disbanded, he returned
to Portsmouth, engaged as instructer of the Latin
grammar school, and continued his labours in this
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 345
seminary for nearly forty years with great ability,
zeal, and effect. He imparted instruction to sev-
eral thousand scholars, fitted a large number for
College, and lived to see among his pupils many
of the distinguished men of our country. 'He was
also for some time Judge of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas for the county of Rockingham, and has
represented the town of Portsmouth in the General
Court. Early in life he became a member of the
Congregational Church, and was highly respected
for his piety, integrity, learning, and talents. He
died July 10th, 1807, in the eighty-ninth year of
his age.
The society for the propagation of the gospel in
foreign parts, was possessed of one right of land, in
almost every township in this state, lying without
Mason's patent, granted to them by the late Gov-
ernor Benning Wentworth, which lands the society
conveyed to nine persons in trust, for the use of the
Episcopal Church in this state. The trustees by
their deed, dated the 20th day of July, conveyed
to St. John's Church, twenty-nine of the above-
mentioned rights of land, one tenth part of the
income arising therefrom, to be appropriated to the
sole use of the person, who shall be elected, and
canonically consecrated to the office of Bishop over
the State of New-Hampshire, and to the use of his
successor in said office of Bishop, and the income
and profits of the other nine tenths of said lands to
the use and support of a Protestant Episcopal Cler-
44
346 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
gyman or his successor^ who shall be regularly in-
ducted Rector of St. John's Church, according to
the office established by the General Convention of
the Episcopal Churches in the United States. At
a meeting of the parishioners of St. John's Church,
held the 19th day of September, they voted to
accept said deed upon the conditions therein men-
tioned, and to appropriate the income of said lands
accordingly.
On Saturday, the 20th of September, at four
o'clock in the morning. Colonel Seth Walker went
out for the purpose of shooting pigeons. At the
ferryways he took a canoe, or float, and proceeded
up the river, it being, flood tide, about two miles.
Finding himself seized with spasms in the head, he
made towards the shore ; and in stepping out of the
float, it overset, and he lost his gun. Though very
wet, he succeeded in ascending the bank of the riv-
er and advanced a few rods into a cornfield, and
here he fainted or fell into a fit. The boat was
found on the Kittery shore.
Sunday morning, the family being much alarmed,
many of his friends, about two hundred in number,
went out in search of him, but returned without
success, and the general opinion was that he was
lost. The probability is, that he continued in a fit,
or remained senseless, during the whole of Saturday
and Sunday. On Sunday night, or towards day
light on Monday morning, he so far recovered his
senses, as to attempt to return home. He went in-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 347
to the compact part of the town, and between four
and live o'clock, entered Folsom's bake-house, at-
tracted perhaps by the light ; where the people
were at work. The bake-house was at the back of
Doctor Buckminster's meeting-house, and within
sight of his own house. He enquired of the work-
men if they knew him, and could tell him where he
was, and would conduct him home. This they ac-
cordingly did. His clothes were very muddy ; his
mind was much disordered, and his recollection
imperfect. He remembered going out with his gun
in the morning, and taking the boat, but all the
intervening time, was a blank in his mind. He
insisted upon it, that it was Saturday, and desired
his wife to send word to some people that were at
work on the highway, under his direction that day,
that he was unable to attend them, and that they
might disperse. He could not be persuaded that
it was Monday, instead of Saturday morning. He
was put into a warm bed, and after some time fell
asleep; in which situation he continued several
hours. When he awoke, his mind was more com-
posed ; in a few days he was able to attend to his
business, and soon after regained his usual health.
Doctor Dwight has introduced these facts into his
travels because, he says, *^ it exhibits man in an
attitude; which so far as known, is absolutely new."^
348 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
1808.
Several gentlemen who had followed the sea, or
were engaged in maritime pursuits, formed them-
selves into an association, and were incorporated by
an act of the Legislature, June 6th, by the name of
the Portsmouth Marine Society. They were em-
powered to hold real or personal estate, the annual
income of which, shall not exceed the sum of five
thousand dollars. Two thirds of the members shall
consist of such persons as are, or have been masters
of vessels, and all members must subscribe the bye
laws and regulations. Every maritime member, on
his admission shall pay twenty-one dollars fifty
cents. Honorary members shall pay five dollars on
admission. Five sixths of the income to be appro-
priated for the relief of decayed and distressed
maritime members, the remainder to be added to
the permanent fund. The officers of the society
are a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secre-
tary and thirteen managers. Their meetings are
to be semi-annual, in January and July. The man-
agers are to direct the affairs of the society, and
dispose of their funds, and shall meet quarterly.
Every maritime member of the society, upon his
arrival from sea, shall communicate in writing to
the board of managers, his observations respecting
the variation of the magnetic needle ; the sound-
ings, courses and distances of rocks, shoals, capes,
and headlands from each other; currents, tides, and
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 349
other things remarkable on this and other coasts, as
well as any other observations, promotive of naval
knowledge, and all such communications, together
with the names of the persons making them, shall,
when approved, be put on the records of the socie-
ty, in a book to be provided for that purpose.
The selectmen in pursuance of a vote of the town
on the 20th day of August, by deed, appropriated
a lot of land near the south school-house, ninety-six
feet long, by sixty feet wide, to the use of the
United States, on which they are to erect a build-
ing, to be occupied as a gun-house, for the reception
of the artillery ammunition and apparatus belonging
to the United States, to be placed under the care of
the artillery company or companies of this town.
On the 14th of September, the Rev, Nathan
Parker was ordained over the south church and
parish in this town. The Rev. Aaron Bancroft, of
Worcester, preached on the occasion. The Rev.
Joseph Willard, of Boxborough, gave the charge,
and the Rev. Huntington Porter, of Rye, the right
hand of fellowship.
1809.
The town confirmed their vote passed in March,
1807, respecting the land which had been occupied
by the Rev. Doctor Haven, and authorized the se-
lectmen to release to the south parish all the right
of the town thereto.
330 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
George Gains, Esquire, was born in the year
1736, and served his apprenticeship with a cabinet-
maker : he followed that business several years, but
not finding it so profitable as he wished, he pursued
the occupation of a house-carpenter; in which he
was successful, and had a fair prospect of increasing
his property. His zealous opposition to the stamp
act in 1765, brought him into public notice, and his
fellow townsmen rewarded his patriotism, by fre-
quently choosing him a member of those committees
which were the guardians of the liberties of their
country. In the public rejoicings for the repeal of
that act, he took a very conspicuous part, and the
town was greatly obliged to him, for the brilliant
display made on that joyful occasion. His attention
was almost wholly engrossed by public business, to
the exclusion of his private concerns. In 1773, he
was chosen one of the selectmen of the town, and
served in that ofiice upwards of tliirty years. Af-
ter the commencement of hostilities by the British,
he joined the American army with the rank of
Major, and was present at the capture of General
Burgoyne. He was elected a representative to the
General Court for thirty successive years, with only
one year's intermission. These repeated elections
shew the confidence, his fellow citizens placed in
him. He was commissioned as Commissary for the
state, which ofiice he held during his life ; and in
1784, was appointed a Justice of the Peace. He
died very suddenly on the 23d day of April; in the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 351
seventy-third year of his age. He was seized with
spasmodic affections in his lungs as he was sitting in
his chair, and expired before any medical aid could
be obtained.
The connexion between the society of Universal-
ists and the Rev. George Richards, was dissolved
by mutual consent, and on Wednesday, November
8th, the Rev. Hosea Ballou was installed as minister
of that parish.
Mr. Charles Burroughs, of Boston, officiated
through the spring and summer, as a reader in
St. John's Church. In the autumn, he received
and accepted an invitation to become the pastor of
that church. On the 10th of December, he was
admitted to the order of Deacons in St. Peter's
Church, Philadelphia, by the Right Rev. William
White, Bishop of Pennsylvania.
1810.
On the 11th of August, 1808, a company associat-
ed for establishing a livery stable. The property
was divided into two hundred shares at twenty dol-
lars each. The company was incorporated by act
of the Legislature, passed the 19th day of June,
the present year, for the term of ten years, by the
name of the Portsmouth Livery Company. The
proprietors then increased their stock to three hun-
dred shares, at thirty dollars each.
352 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
The number of inhabitants at the present time,
according to the enumeration, made in pursuance of
the law of Congress, amounts to six thousand; nine
hundred and thirty-four.
1811.
Tuesday, August 13th, about eight o'clock in the
evening, the ship Wonolanset, owned by Captain
Reuben Shapley? was discovered to be on fire.
She had arrived from sea about an hour before,
laden witli hemp, cotton, molasses, naval stores and
flour ; and lay at Shapley's wharf. Alarm was
given, and the inhabitants were collected ; but a
report being circulated, that she had a large quanti-
ty of powder on board, they immediately dispersed,
A small number only could be persuaded to return
and assist in rescuing the property from the flames ;
notwithstanding the assurances of the master, that
she had no powder on board. An attempt was
made to scuttle and sink her, but in vain. The fire
spread rapidly through the ship, and to prevent it
from communicating to the other shipping, and to
the stores on the wharf, her fasts were cut, and she
drifted on sunken rocks. Her masts were cut away
to save the sails and rigging, but the hull and all
the cargo were consumed. The fire was caused by
striking a light in the steerage, near the bulkhead,
against which a quantity of hemp was stowed.
The loss was estimated at twelve thousand dollars.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 353
1812.
April 27th. A number of the citizens offered
the use of a fire engine to the town, which the pro-
prietors agreed to keep in order, at their own ex-
pense, except that of a house to keep the same in ;
to be under the direction of the fire-wards for the
time being ; on condition that the proprietors be
appointed an engine company^ for said engine^
with all the privileges and exemptions to which oth-
er engine men in the town are by law entitled ; to
which the town agreed.
On Wednesday the 20th of May, the Rev. Charles
Burroughs was admitted to the order of priests by
the Right Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, Bishop of
the eastern diocese. The Rev. Doctor Gardiner, of
Boston, preached a very appropriate sermon on the
solemn occasion, and delivered it in his best style of
oratory. The next day the Rev. Mr. Burroughs
was inducted Rector of St. John's Church agreeably
to the Episcopal ritual ; on which occasion the Right
Rev. Bishop preached. The whole services were
solemn and impressive, and the Bishop discharged
the duties of his office with dignity and grace.
The Rev. Joseph Buckminster, D. D. pastor of the
north church, died at Readsborough, in Vermont, on
the 10th day of June. His health was impaired, and
his complaints were alarming to his family, who fear-
ed a mental derangement. He was subject to great
depression of spirits, and at times his rational facul-
45
354 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
ties appeared disordered. It was thought best for
him to take a journey into the country in hopes that
it might divert his mind from those gloomy anxie-
ties which appeared to distress him. Accordingly
on the 2d of June, accompanied by his wife, and two
particular friends, he left home and proceeded by
easy stages to the Green Mountains, where he fell a
victim to his disorders. He was interred at Ben-
nington, and the Rev. Mr. Marsh of that place
preached on the occasion to a numerous assembly,
collected to pay the last tribute of respect to depart-
ed worth. His parish appointed the 19th of June,
to commemorate his virtues and bewail their loss.
The Rev. Mr. Parker of the south parish, delivered
a suitable and affecting discourse to a crowded audi-
ence. The pulpit and front gallery were shrouded
with black.
Doctor Buckminster was born at Rutland, in Mas-
sachusetts, the 14th of October, 1751. He was ed-
ucated at Yale College, and was elected one of the
tutors of that institution, in which office he officiated
four years. Whilst an undergraduate, he formed
the determination of entering into the ministry, and
directed his studies principally to that object. Af-
ter his ordination, <^ conscious of his awful charge,"
he devoted every faculty of his soul, to the discharge
of the solemn duties, in which he was engaged. His
sermons were serious and affectionate ; and were
delivered in an engaging manner. He suffered no
opportunity, either public or private, to escape him,
ANNALS or PORTSMOUTH. 355
without endeavouring to impress the sacred truths
of the gospel, on the minds of his hearers. His char-
acter as a preacher, stood high among his acquaint-
ance : as a scholar he was respected by all who had
an opportunity of judging of his literary accomplish-
ments. The College at New-Jersey conferred on
him the degree of Doctor in Divinity. He was be-
loved by the people of his charge, and his catholic
disposition procured, him the esteem of christians of
all denominations.
1813.
Wednesday the 22d of December, tlie town was
again alarmed by the cry of fire, which was discover-
ed soon after seven o'clock in the evening, in a barn
belonging to the estate of the late Colonel Woodward,
situated on Church-lane and Jaffrey-street. In a few
minutes the barn was entirely inwrapt in flames,
which were communicated to some of the neighbour-
ing buildings, and spread with great rapidity. Whilst
the inhabitants were endeavouring to arrest the pro-
gress of the flames, other buildings at a great dis-
tance were found to be on fire, communicated by
flakes, wafted through the air. The attention of the
people was divided by these new s(?tenes of distress ;
the fire was raging in different parts of the town, at
the same time. It burned furiously upwards of six
hours before it could be subdued, and in several di-
rections it swept all before it; until it reached the
356 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
river. One hundred and eighty dwelling houses,
and sixty-four other buildings, which occupied a
space of fifteen acres, were destroyed. The Ports-
mouth Library, consisting of about one thousand vol-
umes of well chosen books, which was kept in Broad-
street, was entirely consumed. The respectable in-
habitants of Newburyport, Exeter, Dover, Durham,
and Berwick, as well as those of the neighbouring
towns, hastened to our assistance. The companies
from Exeter and Dover brought their engines, which
were very instrumental in saving the south part of
the town. Commodore Hull, Captain Smith, Cap-
tain Creighton, Captain Renshaw, and other gentle-
men of the navy, then in this port, with the crews
under their command, rendered very essential ser-
vice. In their conduct was fully exemplified the
great advantage of discipline in time of danger. The
ofiicers with coolness and discretion sought the pla-
ces where their exertions were most needed, and
their men executed their orders with intrepidity.
It is a subject of the warmest gratitude to the father
of mercies, that at such an extensive conflagration, no
lives were lost. One person had his leg broken by
the falling of a wall. A gentleman from Newbury-
port in search of objects of distress, entered a house
involved in flames, and at great hazard rescued a
child crying for its mother, and brought it off in
safety. Forty persons arrived from Salem, about
three o'clock, having travelled forty-eight miles in
six hours. They relieved the inhabitants, worn out
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 357
with fatigue, by watching the remainder of the
night. Newburyport detached eighty or ninety
men, who guarded the town the succeeding night.
There is reason to believe that this destructive fire
was the work of an incendiary. The town was at
this time, infested with thieves, and property to a
great amount, which was saved from the flames, was
afterwards stolen. One gentleman who went to the
assistance of his neighbours, took his pocket book
with him, in which were two thousand dollars. His
pocket was cut from his coat, and his pocket book
with its contents lost. Several strangers offered
their services, which were gratefully accepted; valu-
able property was committed to their care, but neith-
er they nor the property was heard of afterwards.
The amount of private property lost or destroyed
by this fire, was estimated at between two hundred
and fifty thousand and three hundred thousand dol-
lars. The Selectmen, as they had on former similar
occasions, appointed a committee to receive dona-
tions for the benefit of the sufferers. The sum of
seventy-seven thousand, two hundred and seventy-
three dollars was generously contributed, and the
committee distributed that sum among the most in-
digent, in proportion to their losses and necessities.
The ship Granville, Captain Richard Shapleigh,
master, from Cadiz, bound to this port, was cast
away on a ledge of rocks extending a short dis-
tance off Rye Beach, at four o'clock on Wednesday
morning, the 14th of April. It blew a severe gale,
358 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
attended with a very heavy sea. The ship imme-
diately bilged, and soon after went to pieces. Cap-
tain Shapleigh was swept from the deck, while en-
deavouring to cut away the mizen mast, and was
drowned. The people of Rye soon discovered the
wreck, and went in whale boats to deliver the re-
mainder of the crew from the imminent danger to
w hich they were exposed, and which they eifected
about seven o'clock at the great hazard of their own
lives. The Granville was laden with salt, four
hundred boxes of raisins, and a quantity of lemons.
The cargo was totally lost.
August 23d. This day is assigned for perfo^ra•
ing the funeral obsequies of the brave and much la-
mented Captain Lawrence, and Lieutenant Ludlow,
who gloriously fell in supporting the cause of their
country on board the frigate Chesapeake. The
town directed that the bells of the several houses of
public worship be tolled from one to three o'clock
this afternoon.
1814.
January 12. Wednesday evening, soon after sev-
en o'clock, the rope-walk belonging to Mr. Joseph
Akerman, 3d, situated on the south road, was set on
fire by some incendiary, and entirely consumed,
with its contents, consisting of about five tons of
tarred yarns, which had been saved from the last
fire, by being thrown into the dock, and had been
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 359
stretched in this walk to dry ; of three tons of
hemp and yarns, one complete suit of sails fop a
ship, a small quantity of cordage and sails, which
had heen stored here, as a safe place of deposit.
The fire was communicated to the yarns at the low-
er end of the walk, and spread through it with great
Telocity, so that the whole was in flames in ten
minutes. By great exertions the buildings near the
head of the rope-walk were prevented from taking
fire. The loss is estimated at three thousand dol-
lars. A prophecy had been circulated the week
past, that there would be a fire at the south part of
the town, at half past seven o'clock on Wednesday
evening. Little attention was paid to it by the re-
flecting part of the community, who supposed it to
proceed from the dreams of some fanatic ; but when
the event so exactly corresponded with the prophe-
cy, it was strongly suspected that a close connexion
subsisted between the prophet and the incendiary.
The selectmen offered a reward of five hundred
dollars, for the discovery and conviction of the per-
son who perpetrated the atrocious off*ence.
April 19th. The town voted to make application
to the Legislature, for an act to prohibit the erection
of any wooden building more than twelve feet high,
excepting in such places as in the opinion of the
selectmen, a foundation cannot be laid without great
difficulty or inconvenience, to the eastward of a line
from north mill- bridge to Massey-street, thence
through said street, and Akerman-street to the cen-
360 ANNALS OP PORTSMOUTH.
tre of middle road, and thence straight to the south
mill-bridge. The Legislature passed the act, in
compliance with the above application, at their
session in June.
When a person distinguished for his virtues or
his talents, has been summoned to pay the last debt
of nature, society has cause to mourn. If his talents
have been uniformly employed to promote the pub-
lic good, his loss will be more severely felt. It is
not necessary that his life should be dignified with
titles, or burthened with public honours, to bring
his virtues into view. Superior worth has often
been found in the private walks of life; and has
been induced to quit retreat, only for the sake of
being more eminently useful. This is remarkably
verified in the character of John Peirce, Esquire.
He was the eldest son of the honourable Daniel
Peirce, and was born in the year 1746. He receiv-
ed his education at the grammar-school, under the
instruction of Major Hale, where many of our fel-
low citizens were qualified to fill important offi-
ces. After laying a foundation of useful learning
in the various branches, which were necessary for
him in mercantile life, he entered the counting room
of the honourable Daniel Rindge, and with that ac-
complished merchant, acquired a thorough knowl-
edge of book-keeping and mercantile transactions.
At twenty-one years of age, he took charge of the
business and extensive property of his uncle, the late
honourable Mark Hunking Wentworth, which he
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 361
continued to manage until Mr. Wentworth's decease,
who appointed him executor of his will. The set-
tlement of that estate, the care of property entrust-
ed to him by persons residing in England, and the
management of the affairs relating to Mason's pa-
tent, of which he was one of the proprietors, re-
quired his constant attention.
He was opposed to the revolution, at its com-
mencement, but was always open, honourable, and
correct in his conduct ; and those of opposite senti-
ments, respected him as a man of principle and
integrity.
After the peace in 1783, when the controversy
between the claimants under Mason and Allen, and
the dispute with the state, was in agitation, he was
selected by the Masonian proprietors, as the agent
on their behalf to take care of their interests, and
settle the dispute on the best possible terms. By
his intelligence, perseverance, and judgment, a set-
tlement of this intricate and long contested business
was effected. In the management of it, he gained
the confidence of all concerned, by his open and
upright conduct ; and it was adjusted to their mu-
tual satisfaction.
He was elected in 1791, one of the representa-
tives of the town to the General Court, and for
several succeeding years ; and was an active, intelli-
gent and influential member.
He was the principal agent in erecting the bridge
over Piscataqua river in 1794 5 and; so very me-
46
362 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
thodical was he in that great undertaking, that he
was able to give a detailed account of the several
parts, as well as the aggregate cost of the whole.
He was likewise one of the directors who laid
out, and had the superintendence of making the
turnpike road from Piscataqua bridge to Concord.
At the adoption of the constitution for the gene-
ral government, he was a decided federalist, and
was firmly attached to those principles during life.
In 1798, when President Adams thought lit to re-
move several officers of government because their
political sentiments did not coincide with his own,
and appoint others in their stead, he appointed Mr.
Peirce, Loan Officer for New-Hampshire. This ap-
pointment was entirely unexpected, and undesired
by him ; and he was particularly solicited by the
Secretary of State, to accept it. He faithfully dis-
charged the duties of the office, until Mr. Jefferson,
reinstated those gentlemen who had been removed
by his predecessor.
In 1791, he took charge of an insurance office, in
addition to his other business. His knowledge of
mercantile affairs, qualified him to manage the con-
cerns of it, with propriety and judgment.
The great fire which destroyed a large portion
of the town, in 1802, commenced in the building
where he kept his office, and nearly all of his valu-
able papers were consumed. This was an irrepara-
ble loss ; and a source of great perplexity and
trouble.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 363
His benevolence was extensive ; his liberal hand
was open to relieve distress, occasioned by misfor-
tune, especially among those, who had enjoyed hap-
pier days. It was not a sudden impulse, which
prompted him to these charitable deeds, but princi-
ple formed with deliberation, as some can testify,
who received their " daily bread" from his bounty
for a course of years.
He was decisive in his opinions, and seldom re-
linquished them. They were not formed in haste
or guided by passion, but were the result of mature
reflection, and sound judgment. — On the 21st of
February this year, he suffered an attack of para-
lysis, which terminated his useful and valuable life,
the I4th of the following June.
Tuesday, June 21st, between the hours of ten
and eleven o'clock in the evening, the town was
alarmed by a report that the British were landing
at Rye Beach. Alarm bells were rung, and signal
guns fired. All the military companies in town
turned out with alacrity, and prepared for the
attack. A martial spirit pervaded all ranks, and
they glowed with ardour, to be led to the place of
danger. Expresses were dispatched to ascertain the
situation of the enemy, and the report proved to be
without foundation. It was occasioned by some
boats of a suspicious character that were observed
off Rye harbour, by the guard stationed there.
The inhabitants again retired, to enjoy the sweets
of repose.
364 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Monday, November 28th. About twenty min-
utes after seven o'clock, there was a severe shock of
an earthquake, which continued half a minute : it
was preceded by a heavy rumbling noise, the con-
vulsion of the earth was violent, several houses were
shaken, and persons standing on the ground, per-
ceived the agitation. The noise and trembling
went off gradually, apparently in a south easterly
direction. The evening was very clear ; the moon
shone bright, and the mercury stood at freezing
point, in Farenheit's thermometer. This earth-
quake was felt through Massachusetts, New-Hamp-
shire, and Maine.
1815.
Wednesday the 15th day of March, the Rev.
Israel W. Putnam was ordained to the pastoral
charge of the north church and congregation in this
town. The exercises on this occasion were pecu-
liarly solemn, interesting, and satisfactory. The
Rev. Doctor Worcester, of Salem, made the intro-
ductory prayer. The Rev. Professor Porter, of
the Theological Institution in Andover, preached
the sermon ; the consecrating prayer was made by
the Rev. Doctor Spring, of Newburyport ; the
charge was given by the Rev. Mr. Wadsworth, of
Danvers, and the fellowship of the churches by the
Rev. Mr. Parker, of this town, and the Rev. Doc-
tor Dana, of Newburyport, made the concluding
prayer.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 365
June. The Legislature of this state at their last
session, passed an act for the security of the town
of Portsmouth, at the unanimous request of the in-
habitants in town-meeting assembled, by prohibiting
the erection of wooden buildings of more than
twelve feet higli. At the last anntial town-meeting
a vote passed to instruct the representatives of this
town, to use their exertions to effect its repeal.
A remonstrance signed by many of the respectable
inhabitants against its repeal, and a counter remon-
strance were presented to the Legislature ; and af-
ter a full hearing on the subject, it was determined,
by a very great majority, not to repeal the law.
The connexion between the society of Universal-
ists and the Rev. Hosea Ballon, was dissolved, and
they elected the Rev. Sebastian Streeter their
pastor.
1816.
A branch of the bank of the United States, was
established in this town. Books for subscription
were opened on the 1st of July, under the direction
of three commissioners, appointed by the President
of the United States.
, The management of their business at their office
of discount and deposit in this town, is committed
to a President, nine Directors, and a Cashier ; who
are appointed annually by the directors of the parent
bank of Philadelphia. The amount of their stock
366 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
is two hundred thousand dollars. The days of dis-
count are Tuesdays and Fridays. Notes are dis-
counted for four months, or any shorter time.
1817.
January 9th. Thursday evening, about nine
o'clock, a fire broke out in the barn and out houses
of George Jaffrey, Esquire, in Daniel-street. The
weather, being mild, with little wind, the flames
were confined to the buildings in which they orig-
inated. Mr. JalTrey's dwelling house, which was
but a few feet from his barn, was saved by uncom-
mon exertions.
An attempt was made to burn the town on the
night following Saturday, the 15th of March. The
incendiary placed a quantity of shingles against a
cooper's shop in a very retired place, back of St.
John's Church, and set them on fire, which had
made some progress before it was discovered. There
were several wooden buildings contiguous to the
shop, which must inevitably have been destroyed,
if the flames had not been arrested. The fire was
providentially discovered in season to prevent the
fatal catastrophe.
The discovery of this fire has been attributed to
the sagacity of a little dog, owned by one of the
neighbours, who kept the family awake by his in-
cessant barking; and when one of them arose to
quiet him, he led the person immediately to the
fire*
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 367
The selectmen ofTered a reward of one hundred
dollars for the detection of the incendiary, so that
he might be legally convicted.
Doctor William Cutter departed this life the
22d of May, in the forty-eighth year of his age.
He was the son of the venerable Doctor Ammi R.
Cutter. After having laid the foundation of his
education in the grammar-school in this town, he
studied the theory of physic and surgery, under the
direction of his father. Towards the close of his
studies he had the advantage of visiting his father's
patients with him, and obtaining an insight into his
practice. Doctor Hall Jackson was at this time in
full practice, and was the principal surgeon in this
part of the country. Being infirm, he frequently
took young Mr. Cutter with him as a companion
and assistant. This likewise gave him an opportu-
nity of acquainting himself with extensive practice
in the various branches of medicine and surgery,
and he profited greatly by the experience and skill
of these eminent physicians. Under such favoura-
ble auspices he commenced business, and by his
diligent attention to the duties of his profession,
and careful observations of the cases, which he had
an opportunity to examine, he soon became respec-
table in his profession, and obtained the confidence of
his employers. His practice was extensive, and his
advice and assistance were requested in critical ca-
ses, not only in the circuit of his daily practice, but
often at a distance where his usual visits could not
368 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
extend. He was benevolent in his disposition, and
the poor, from whom he expected no recompence,
reaped equal benefit from his skill and assistance,
with those from whom he expected the most ample
remuneration. He never attempted to screen him-
self from danger, when duty called. During the
prevalence of the yellow fever in this town, in
1798, he visited his patients, labouring under that
complaint, with unremitted attention ; and towards
the close of the season, he was attacked with the
disorder, from which he recovered to the inexpres-
sible satisfaction of his numerous acquaintance. He
was social in his disposition, mild and placid in his
manners, and society mourns the loss of one of its
most useful members.
Since the Portsmouth Library was burnt in 1813,
there has been no institution of the kind in this
town. A number of gentlemen last winter, sensible
of the great advantages that might be derived from
having a public library, established under proper
regulations, associated for the purpose of commenc-
ing one. They procured a convenient room, which
was to be open from eight o'clock in the morning,
until nine o'clock in the evening, in which they
collected a few books, and periodical publications
for the accommodation of the subscribers, and such
strangers as they might think proper to introduce.
Several persons, to encourage the undertaking, de-
posited their books there for the benefit of the sub-
scribers. At the session of the Legislature in June,
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 369
they obtained an act of incorporation, making them
a body corporate and politic, by the name of the
proprietors of the Portsmouth AthensEum. The
affairs of the society are managed by a President,
Secretary, and Treasurer, and three Directors. The
property is divided into thirty shares. Each pro-
prietor paid fifty dollars, which were appropriated
to the purchase of books; each share was liable to
an annual tax of three dollars, and no share could
be transferred without being first offered to the so-
ciety at fifty per cent, discount. There was anoth-
er class of subscribers, who paid eight dollars per
year, for the use of the books, and the privilege of
the reading room, but who had no transferable pro-
perty in the library. Others were admitted to the
reading room upon the payment of five dollars a
year. Thus a foundation was laid for a public li-
brary. Though small in its beginning, the proprie-
tors flatter themselves, that it will rapidly increase,
and become not only a benefit to society, but an or-
nament to the town.
1818.
April. The town voted to establish a school for
boys, and another for girls on the Lancasterian plan;
and chose a committee of ten persons, to adopt and
carry into effect such measures as they may deem
necessary and expedient for the establishment of
47
370 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the same, and appropriated one thousand dollars foi'
tiiis purpose.
Donald Mc'Intosh, Esquire, the British Consul for
this State and Maine, ari'ived in this town in Sep-
tember, and fixed his residence here.
Wednesday, September 30th. The Washington
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, was constituted in
this town, and its officers installed. The ceremo-
nies were performed at the meeting house of the
Universalists ; and an address was delivered on the
occasion by the Rev. Mr. Fillmore.
Friday, October 16th. The barn of William
Sheafe, Esquire, accidentally took fire between one
and two o'clock, and was entirely consumed. The
Baptist meeting-house and two other buildings,
which stood near it, were saved by the prompt ex-
ertions af the inhabitants.
1819.
The honourable John Langdon was a native of
Portsmouth. His father was a respectable farmer,
and lived about three miles from the compact part of
the town. He received his education at the public
grammar-school, under the tuition of Major Hale.
From school he went into the counting house of the
honourable Daniel Rindge, w here he became well ac-
quainted with mercantile transactions. At the close
of his apprenticeship, he entered upon a seafaring
life, which business he continued to follow, until the
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 371
troubles between this country and Great Britain,
interrupted the commercial intercourse between
them. He took an early and active part in the
opposition to the British government, and was
one of the leaders of that party, which remov-
ed the powder and military stores from the fort
at New-Castle in December, 1774. In the spring
of the year 1775, he was elected a delegate to
Congress, and attended the session which com-
menced in May, at Philadelphia. Soon after the
beginning of the revolutionary war, he had the
command of an independent company of cadets, and
at the time of the surrender of the British army
under General Burgoyne, went to Bennington as a
volunteer. He was likewise at Rhode-Island with
a detachment of his company, at the time the
British troops were in possession of the island, and
when General Sullivan brought ofi' the American
troops. His zeal in his country's cause, led him to
every necessary exertion ; and in various walks of
life, he was most eminently useful. — He had the
agency under Congress, of building several pub-
lic ships of war : he frequently represented this
town in the General Court, and when a member of
the House of Representatives, was generally chosen
their Speaker. In 1785, he was elected President
of the state, and in 1787, was one of the convention,
which formed the Constitution for the General Gov-
ernment. In 1788, he was again elected President
of the state, and the same year was chosen by the
372 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Legislature one of the senators of the United States.
The General Government went into operation, and
the first Congress under it met at New-York, the
fourth of March, 1789. Mr. Langdon was elected
President of the Senate, pro hac vice. His term
as settled by lot, was for six years, and during this
period the funding system was adopted. When the
question was first agitated, Mr. Langdon was in
favour of it, but changed his opinion, and finally
voted against it. Before his term as a senator had
expired, he was re-elected for another term of six
years ; and within that time the commercial treaty
between this country and Great Britain, was submit-
ted to the Senate. Mr. Langdon voted against it.
After the expiration of his second term as senator,
he was chosen one of the representatives of this
town to the General Court, for four years successive-
ly. In 1805, he was elected Governor of the state ;
which ofiice he held six years, not immediately in
succession, but with the exception of one year's
intermission. In 1805, the Government of Dart-
mouth College, conferred on him the degree of Doc-
tor of Laws.
Governor Langdon was easy, polite, and pleasing
in his manners, and social in his habits; remarkably
well calculated to gain the public esteem, which he
was generally fortunate enough to retain. He was
liberal, although not lavish of his money. He re-
tired from public business in 1811, and passed the
evening of his days in a calm retreat from the bus-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 373
tie of politics and contending parties, and in the
pleasing enjoyment of his family and friends.
He became a professor of religion after he had
passed the meridian of life ; was zealously attached
to the church of which he was a member, and cul-
tivated an acquaintance with good and pious men of
all denominations.
A few years previous to his decease, he was
troubled with paralytic affections, and gradually de-
clined until the 18th of September, when he died.
At his funeral, military honours were performed by
the battalion of the United States troops under Co-
lonel Walbach ; minute guns were fired during the
procession, the forts, navy-yard, and shipping dis-
played their colours at half-mast, and every mark of
respect was paid, that was due to so distinguished a
citizen.
1820.
The number of inhabitants according to the cen-
sus, amounts to seven thousand, three hundred and
twenty-seven.
The Mechanic Association established a fund, by
a voluntary subscription among the members, of fif-
ty cents each, called the funeral fund ; and in case of
the death of any subscriber to the fund, the survi-
vors are to be assessed twenty-five cents each, for
the purpose of replenishing said fund. The monies
thus collected; are to be kept separate from the
374 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
general funds of the society, and are appropriated
to the relief of the family of any deceased subscri-
ber. A committee consisting of two persons chosen
annually, with the President of the association, styl-
ed a Committee of Condolence, is to wait upon the
widow or children of such deceased member, or
make a communication to her, or them in writing,
and present her, or them with twenty dollars from
said funeral fund, and to tender the services of the
members of the association, in the settlement of
such deceased brother's estate.
Those persons, who have devoted themselves to
promote the ease, comfort, and happiness of their
fellow men, who have diligently exerted their tal-
ents for the public good, through a long and active
life, deserve the approbation of their cotemporaries,
and to have their names respectfully handed down
to posterity. The physician, whose business makes
him conversant with the miseries of life, and whose
constant study is to relieve the distresses, and me-
liorate the condition of mankind ; has the greatest
opportunity of experiencing the noblest sympathies
of the human breast. No man better deserves the
meed of praise, for the exercise of these benevolent
feelings, through a long, diligent, and skilful course
of practice, than the late venerable and respected
Doctor Ammi Ruhamah Cutter. — All who have re-
ceived his unremitted attentions in the hour of af-
fliction, will remember with gratitude his many acts
of kindness and afTcction.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 375
Doctor Cutter was born at North Yarmouth, in
Maine, in 1735. He was the eldest son of the Rev.
Mr. Cutter, the first minister of that place ; and
was educated at Harvard College, where he was
graduated in 1752, at the early age of seventeen.
Having determined to pursue the practice of phys-
ic, he was placed under the tuition of Doctor Clem-
ent Jackson, an eminent physician in this town.
Soon after conipleting his studies, he was appointed
surgeon of a regiment raised in this province to
oppose the French and Indians, who were making
terrible inroads on the English settlements. He
continued with his regiment on the frontiers a long
time, and until they were ordered to Cape Breton.
He embarked with them for that place, and was at
the capture of Louisburgh, in 1758. After the
reduction of that iaiportant fortress, he returned to
this town, and commenced business in his profession ;
his urbanity of manner, and assiduous attention, pro-
cured him extensive practice. Doctor Cutter was
requested to accept the office of Counsellor under
the royal government, but declined, because he
thought the official duties would be incompatible
with his professional engagements. Although he
was in habits of intimacy and friendship with the
principal officers of distinction before the revolu-
tion, and had many inducements to unite with them
in politics, yet from principle, he embraced the
cause of his country, and firmly opposed the oppres-
sive acts of the British ministry. In 1777, he was
376 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
solicited to take charge of the medical department
in the northern army, and notwithstanding the in-
convenience to which it subjected him, he accepted
the appointment, and remained with the army, un-
til the surrender of General Burgoyne. He then
returned home and resumed his practice, which he
continued, until prevented by the infirmities of age.
Few physicians have had such extensive practice,
for such a length of time as Doctor Cutter. For
nearly sixty years, his labours were incessant ; and
the confidence placed in him by the community
was unbounded.
The town elected him one of the delegates
to the convention that formed the constitution of
this state. This is the only instance of his leaving
his professional duties, to discharge those of political
life. He was several years President of the New-
Hampshire Medical Society. But his reputation
was not confined to New-Hampshire. The Massa-
chusetts Medical Society, and the Massachusetts
Humane Society, each elected him an honorary
member of their respective societies. ^' Doctor
Cutter was a christian ; his piety was sincere and
rational ; the last act of his life, was a prayer,
which he uttered the moment previous to his dis-
solution ; and that prayer which bore his soul to
heaven, evinced his resignation, his pious confi-
dence, and his belief in the merits of his Redeem-
er." He died on Friday, the 8th day of Decem-
ber, aged eighty-six.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 377
1821.
Monday, May 21 st. The dwelling house of Thom-
as J. Whidden, situated on the road to Little Har-
bour, took fire between one and two o'clock, P. M.
and was entirely consumed. The fire was caused
by a spark from the chimney, which fell and rested
on the roof. Mr. Whidden was at some distance
from home at work, and only a woman and some
small children were in the house. The fire had
made so great progress before it was discovered,
that it could not be extinguished. Most of the fur-
niture was saved.
On Tuesday morning, May 22d, the dwelling
house of Jeremiah Hart, situated on the corner of
middle road and Akerman-street, was consumed.
The fire broke out about two o'clock, and had made
such advances before it was discovered, there was
no possibility of saving much of the furniture. It
took fire in the cellar, some suppose, from the ashes
which were deposited there. By great exertions of
the citizens, the neighbouring buildings, some of
which stood but a few feet distant, were preserved.
On Wednesday evening, the 20th of June, the
town was visited with a severe thunder storm, at-
tended with heavy rain. The lightning struck the
house of Robert Rice, Esquire, on Islington road.
The spouts round the eaves of the house were filled
with water, and overflowed in front of the house.
The electric fluid appears to have been conducted
48
378 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
by the rain to the current of water in the spouts,
and in its descent, was attracted by the iron weights
to the windows. It shattered the blinds, broke
some of the glass, tore away a shutter, and forced it
a considerable distance into the room. It then de-
scended to the lower story, broke down some of the
plaister of the wall, and was conducted along the
bell-wire, which it melted, to the bell handle on the
outside of the door, and passed off by the iron rail-
ing to the ground.
1822.
January 8th. A bridge connecting this town
with New-Castle, was completed and opened for
passengers. It is in three parts ; the first extends
from the south end to Shapley's Island, and is 849
feet in length. The second extends from Shapley's
Island 10 Amazeen's Island. 713 feet, and the third
extends from Amazeen's Island to Great-Island, 809
feet ; making the whole bridge 2371 feet in length.
The bridge is built on piles, excepting long abut-
ments at each shore. The greatest depth of the
channels where the bridge crosses them, is not more
than thirty-five feet at low water. The whole cost
was about eight thousand dollars. The distance
from the Court-house in this town, to Fort Consti-
tution over this bridge, is two miles and three
quarters.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 379
The proprietors were incorporated by an act of
the Legislature, passed the 19th of June, 1821.
The Rev. Joseph Walton departed this life on the
10th of January, having attained the age of eighty
years. He was a native of New-Castle, descended
from some of its earliest and most respectable inhab-
itants ; one of his ancestors, was a long time Presi-
dent of the Provincial Council. Mr. Walton was
bred a cooper, and worked at the trade a number
of years. Being of a serious disposition, he ear-
ly became a professor of religion, and joined the
church, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Doctor
Langdon. In this connexion, he continued three
years, and then became a member of the Independ-
ent Congregational Church, of which the Rev. Mr.
Drown was pastor. That society had no regular
settled minister after the death of Mr. Drown, but
had depended almost entirely upon occasional sup-
plies of their desk. In 1777, they elected Mr. Wal-
ton one of their ruling elders, and when they were
destitute of preaching, he took the lead in their
devotions ; and read and expounded the scriptures
to them publickly on the sabbath. His services
were very acceptable to the people, and they settled
him as their minister in 1789. From that time he
statedly preached, and " administered to his people
in sacred things" until a short time before his death.
He was greatly beloved by them, and highly re-
spected by the ministers, and christians of the other
denominations in town. He was very exemplary in
380 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
his life and conversation. His integrity was unim-
peachable ; his moral virtues were of the highest
class, for his principles were founded on the word
of truth. He possessed a strong discriminating
mind, but unimproved by education ; he was not-
withstanding a pious and useful minister of the
gospel, and discharged his parochial duties with
uncommon diligence and faithfulness. He had from
his youth been in the practice of reading serious and
instructive books at his leisure hours. The scrip-
tures were his peculiar delight ; he studied them con-
stantly and with attention, accompanied by prayer
for the divine blessing on his endeavours to under-
stand them. In his search after truth he was pa-
tient and persevering, and his investigations were
accurate. By these means he qualified himself for
the gospel ministry.
On Friday, the 12th of July, there was a violent
thunder storm, accompanied by torrents -of rain.
A sudden flash of lightning appeared to fill the
atmosphere with its brightness, and at the same
moment a tremendous crash of thunder, burst over
the town. The electric fluid struck at six different
places. In State-street, the chimney of Mr. Jones'
house above the roof was demolished, and the bricks
were scattered in all directions. The lightning de-
scended without doing other injury until it reached
the lower floor, when it burst from the chimney,
scattering fragments of wood and lathing with such
violence as to break the pannels of the doors, which
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 381
they happened to strike. Mrs. Jones was in the
room, but almost miraculously escaped without any
material injury. Mr. Laighton, standing by a win-
dow in his store on the opposite side of the street.
was struck to the ground and much hurt. The
shock was felt in all directions for a considerable
distance. The school-house, about tei rods distant
was struck at the same explosion, a part of the
chimney was torn down, and a piece of the belfrey
carried across the street. Although full of scholars
at the time, not one was injured. At the same mo-
ment a shop of Mr. Badger's, across the river about
a mile distant, was struck, and about one third of it
shattered to pieces. A building situated in the
tan-yard of Mr. Jackson, at the north part of the
town, was also struck and considerably injured. At
the south meeting-house, the lightning descended
the rod, and bending it, loosened the clamps in its
progress. About a foot from the ground, a portion
of the fluid appears to have been attracted from the
rod by the hinges and hooks of the outer door. The
building was injured on the inside, some of the inner
doors were broken to pieces, the cornice under the
gallery was forced off, and pieces of it were thrown
several feet, and the windows, through which the
funnel of the stoves passed, were broken. This
building has been struck by lightning three or four
times. Doctor Franklin observed not long after it
was erected, that it was peculiarly exposed to light-
ning, being situated on a rising ground between two
382 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
bodies of water, \vhich would attract and divide the
clouds, or suspend them over the building. It has
been supposed that the rod affixed to this building,
does not penetrate a sufficient depth into the earth,
and that the injuries have sometimes proceeded
from the electric fluid being conveyed by the water
on the surface of the building. Seven successive
shocks followed each other within a few minutes, all
of which appeared to have exploded in the imme-
diate vicinity of this tow n.
September 8th. Sunday afternoon, about four
o'clock, just before the close of the evening service,
the house of Mr. Samuel Gerrish, in High-street,
took fire. Mrs. Gerrish was in the chamber with
her children ; she perceived the smoke, and heard
the crackling of the fire, and going below, found a
shed which was attached to the back of the house
all in flames. The fire was discovered about the
same time by the neighbours, but had made too
great progress to be extinguished. The house was
entirely consumed, and also most of the furniture
which was in it. Mr. Simeon Stiles' house, which
stood about four feet from the shed, was saved by
uncommon exertion. During the fire, many persons
stood idle spectators of the scene. The fi rewards
should compel every person present to assist in ex-
tinguishing fires, or removing the property exposed.
These officers are necessarily vested with great pow-
er on such occasions, and they should be men in
whom the greatest confidence can be placed. They
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 383
ought to be chosen by ballot, and when a good man
is once introduced into office, he should be long
continued, that the public may have the benefit of
his experience ; and but few of the board should be
changed at a time.
September 10th. The Portsmouth bridge, con-
necting this town with Kittery, is so far completed,
that the proprietors have opened it for passengers,
and the ferry is discontinued. This bridge is in
two parts ; the first extending from Rindge's wharf,
at the north end, to Ham's Island, with a draw for
vessels to pass through to the wharves above it. The
other part extends from the easterly end of Ham's
Island, to Kittery shore. It is built on piles, which
being strongly framed together, are driven into the
bottom of the river, and strings are laid from one set
of piles to the next, on which the flooring of the
bridge rests. Towards the westerly end of the
bridge is an arch or space fifty feet wide, fifteen
feet above high water, for gondolas, boats, and small
craft to pass under the same, agreeable to a plan
approved by the Justices of the Superior Court.
Towards the easterly end of the bridge, is a draw
or hoist for vessels to pass through in going up
or down the river. The whole bridge is sixteen
hundred feet long. The river at the deepest
places is from forty-seven to fifty-three feet deep
at low water. The whole has been completed
in five months, and cost thirty thousand dollars.
The proprietors are to pay Alexander Rice, Esq.
384 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
out of the income of the bridge, four thousand dol-
lars for his loss of the ferry. The proprietors were
incorporated by an act of the Legislature of New-
Hampshire, passed June 28th, 1819, and confirmed
by act of the Legislature of Massachusetts, passed
February 25, 1820.
Great advantage is anticipated from this bridge,
as most of the travel from the eastward will pass
through this town, which has heretofore passed
round the heads of the river, or over Piscataqua
bridge ; besides the convenience it will afford the
county of York in bringing their produce to market.
1823.
The society of Associated Mechanics and Manu-
facturers in New-Hampshire, at a meeting held the
5th of November, 1822, resolved to establish a
library exclusively for the benefit of apprentices,
and appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions
and donations to it, and to establish rules and regu*
lations of the library. At a meeting held the 4th
of February the present year, the committee re-
ported, that they had obtained and secured the sum
of four hundred twenty-five dollars, which was to
be appropriated to the purchase of books ; in addi-
tion to which they had received two hundred forty-
eight volumes ; and at the same meeting they adopt-
ed rules and regulations of the library, the purport
of which is, that the library shall be under the su-
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 385
perintendance and patronage of the society, who
shall choose five directors; the President, Vice
President, and Secretary of the society shall be
three of them, the other two shall be chosen from
the society at large. The directors shall appoint
a librarian, who shall have the use of the library
for his services. The library to be open every
Wednesday from six to nine o'clock, P. M. and
books may be kept out a fortnight. Every appren-
tice applying for books, shall produce a certificate
from his master, that he is deserving the privilege
of the library, and that he will hold himself respon-
sible for the return of the books.
This year completes the second century since the
commencement of the settlements on Piscataqua riv-
er. The precise time of the year when this event
took place, cannot now be ascertained. The land-
ing at Plymouth, and the first settlement in Massa-
chusetts are known with accuracy, but in what ves-
sel Thompson, the Hiltons, and their companions
came over, and where they landed, no record has
been made. It was probably in May, or June;
Winslow says it was " in the spring." The Ply-
mouth colony sent Captain Standish to Piscataqua, to
purchase provisions, and Thompson accompanied him
to Plymouth on his return in July. Their descendants
and other inhabitants, desirous of celebrating the
second centenial anniversary of the settlement of
this place, fixed upon the 21st of May, for that
purpose. All necessary preparations being made, a
49
386 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
procession was formed at the south meeting-house,
and moved in the following order :
Military Escort,
consisting of two companies of Infantry;
Masters of the several schools with their scholars;
Mechanic Association;
Free Masons, in the habiliments of their order;
Committee of Arrangements;
Orator, Officiating Clergyman, and Poet;
Clergy;
Civil and Militaiy Officers;
Citizens.
The procession was very extensive, and moved
through several of the principal streets in town,
to the north meeting-house, which was entirely fill-
ed. A very appropriate prayer was made by the
Rev. Bennet Tyler, D. D. the President of Dart-
mouth College. An ingenius oration was delivered
by Nathaniel A. Haven, jr. Esquire, in which he
gave a sketch of the characters of the merchant ad-
venturers, who first promoted the settlement here,
delineated some of the principal traits which distin-
guished them, and pointed out a few, who had risen
to eminence in the learned professions. A poem
was delivered by Oliver William B. Peabody, Es-
quire, of Exeter, which discovered his knowledge
of the history of the country ; it was elegant and
classical. Some odes, prepared for the occasion,
by the Rev. Thomas C. Upham, of Rochester, were
sung in the best style by the Portsmouth Handel
Society.
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 387
About two hundred gentlemen dined at Jefferson
hall, among whom were several strangers of distinc-
tion, and closed the day with hilarity and senti-
ments of universal benevolence. The day was re-
markably fine, and every thing was conducted with
the greatest regularity and decorum.
In the evening a splendid ball was given at
Franklin hall. The sides of the room were entire-
ly covered with portraits of eminent persons, who
flourished here before the revolution. It is suppos-
ed that nearly four hundred ladies and gentlemen
graced the hall on this occasion.
Captain John Mason, the original proprietor of
the province, gave the name of Portsmouth to this
place from Portsmouth in England, of which town
he was Governor. It was originally much more ex-
tensive than it is at present. Part of Hampton,
Stratham, Greenland, Newington, Rye, and the
whole of New-Castle, were included within its an-
cient boundaries. It is now about five miles and
three quarters in length, and three miles and a half
in breadth. The compact part is chiefly built on a
peninsula on the south side of the Piscataqua, form-
ed by the north and south mill ponds, and connect-
ed with the main land by a narrow isthmus on the
north west, and by bridges at the outlets of the two
mill ponds. The buildings have of late years been
extended beyond the peninsula, and the compact
part of the town has increased. The surface is un-
even, but the hills are not high. The most elevated
38S ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH
land is on the south road ; on the highest part of
which, there formerly grew seven lofty pines, which
were noted land marks for seamen, and the hill took
the name of ^' The seven pines," which it retained
until they were all cut down. The south meeting
house stands on elevated ground, and the steeple is
likewise a land mark for vessels entering the harbour.
Piscataqua River forms the only seaport in New-
Hampshire. The harbour is safe and commodious,
sheltered from every storm ; the water is sufficient-
ly deep for the largest ships, and the anchorage
good. The tide usually rises about eight feet. The
current in the river, especially at the Narrows, is
rapid ; in the strength of the tide it runs six miles
an hour, and in consequence of its rapidity, the
channel is never frozen as far up as Dover point,
where the several branches of the river meet. From
the position of the islands and high lands about the
harbour, it can be defended against any force. With
these advantages it may be c 'nsidered one of the
best harbours on the continent. Government has
established a Navy Yard here, on an island purcha-
sed for the purpose ; on which are erected build-
ings for the accommodation of the officers and men ;
two ship houses sufficiently extensive to cover the
largest ships employed in the Navy, and a Dock
Yard for the preservation of timber. This island
contains upwards of fifty- eight acres, and cost five
thousand five hundred dollars. Besides the carpen-
ters, smiths and labourers employed in the yard, a
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 389
company of marines is stationed here as a guard. A
distinguished officer of the Navy has usually had the
command at this station. Commodore Isaac Hull
was appointed to superintend the business at this es-
tablishment in the year 1813; under his direction
the ship Washington was built. Commodore Thom-
as Macdonough succeeded to the command in the
year 1814, and Commodore Charles Morris in the
year 1817. When Captain Morris was appointed
one of the Commissioners of the Navy in 1823, Cap-
tain William M. Crane succeeded him, and is the pre-
sent commander at the Navy Yard. A large ship,
rated as a seventy-four, and a frigate, are now in
considerable forwardness, and can be launched in a
short time, when occasion shall require.
Portsmouth is situated in 43" 5^ N. latitude, and
70° 41^ west longitude from Greenwich, or 6° 23^ E.
from Washington. From the dome of the Episcopal
Church, from the top of the ship-houses at the Navy
Yard, and from the highlands in Kittery, are pre-
sented very handsome views of the town. The
streets are generally very narrow and irregular.
They seem to have been laid out by the owners of
the land for their own accommodation, without any
regard to public convenience or ornament. There
are thirty-seven streets and fifty-three lanes. Be-
fore the commencement of the present century there
were but four brick dwelling-houses ; the rest were
of wood and contiguous to each other. But few
were so isolated, as not to be in danger from their
390 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
neighbours' fire. After a great part of the town
had been destroyed, an act of the Legislature was
passed, authorizing the Selectmen to widen the
streets, and prohibiting the future erection of wood-
en buildings of more than twelve feet in height ;
but this useful regulation has not been strictly at-
tended to ; most of the buildings however lately
erected, have been built of brick, and in a superior
stile of architecture to those which were burnt.
Portsmouth has gradually increased in numbers
and wealth, but not in the same proportion, as many
other sea-ports in the United States. In the year
1794, the customs collected in this port amounted to
846,991 ; in 1799, they amounted to S89,384 ;
and in 1824, to Sl01,135. But the amount of the
duties collected at the Custom-house is not an accu-
rate criterion by which we may judge of the com-
merce of the town. ^^ More than three fifths of the
registered tonnage of this port is employed in the
carrying trade. Freights are procured from the
Southern ports for Europe, and on their return the
vessels bring salt, iron, coals, and other heavy and
bulky articles, which are sold here as cheap as in
any part of the United States."
In 1800, the commerce of Portsmouth employed
twenty-eight ships, forty-seven brigs, ten schooners,
two sloops, and one bark, besides twenty coasting
vessels and a still greater number occupied in fish-
ing. In 1824 there were belonging to this port
thirty-eight ships, twenty-six brigs, one hundred
ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH. 39l
and five schooners, one bark and twelve sloops, of
which eighty-one were employed in foreign trade,
thirty-three in coasting, and sixty-eight in fishing ;
making in the whole 23,284 tons. One thousand
four hundred and fifty-three seamen, including men
and boys, were usually employed, of whom five hun-
dred eighty-one were engaged in the fishery. The
whole amount of exports to foreign ports, was
S199,820, and of imports 8221,982, and the dif-
ference was made up by the freights, earned by ves-
ssels employed in the carrying trade. The quanti-
ty of cod and pollock fish taken and cured, was
46,309 quintals ; fish-oil, 1216 barrels ; mackarel,
exclusive of what was sold fresh in the market and
for home consumption, 5575 barrels. There were
exported to foreign ports 1147 barrels of pickled
fish, and 8612 quintals of dried fish ; the remainder
was used for home consumption, or carried coastwise
to other places for exportation.
The trade of Portsmouth suffered some inconve-
nience from the want of direct communication with
the interior part of the country. This inconvenience
is in some measure remedied by the New-Hampshire
Turnpike road, and the bridges across the Piscataqua.
The air of Portsmouth is salubrious ; the inhabi-
tants are generally healthy, and it is not uncommon
to find persons between eighty and ninety years of
age ; there is one woman living upwards of one
hundred and four years of age, in the full enjoyment
of her mental faculties, and who was able to walk
392 ANNALS OF PORTSMOUTH.
the last summer between eight and ten miles in a
day.
There are eight societies for religious worship in
Portsmouth ; one Episcopal, two Congregational,
one Independent, one Baptist, one Methodist, one
Universalist, one Sandemanian. Great attention is
paid to the education of children. Seven public
schools and several private ones, are maintained for
their instruction, besides district schools kept by
women. The town pays annually nearly five thou-
sand dollars to the instructers.
There are seven houses for public worship ; one
Academy ; five school houses in the compact part
of the town, and two in the outskirts ; a court
house, gaol, three markets, and the building belong-
ing to the Athenseum. This institution is very
flourishing. The proprietors purchased the build-
ing belonging to the New-Hampshire Fire and Ma-
rine Insurance Company, situated on the Parade,
and have appropriated the lower story for a reading
room, which is furnished with the best newspapers
published in the principal cities of the United
States. In the second story is the library, contain-
ing nearly two thousand volumes, to which additions
are annually made. In the upper story is a large
collection of natural and artificial curiosities, mine-
rals, coins, &c. The institution is esteemed a great
ornament and advantage to the town.
♦
No. 1.
AN INVENTORY OF THE GOODS AND IMPLEMENTS BELONG-
ING TO THE PLANTATIONS AT PISCATAWAY AND NEWICH-
EWANOCK, IN NEW ENGLAND, JULY, 1635,
AT PISCATAWAY.
ARMS AND AMMUNITION.
3 Sakers, 3 minions, 2 faulcons, 2 rabenets, 4 murthers, 2
chambers, 22 harquebusses, 4 muskets, 46 fowling pieces, 67
carbines, 6 pair of pistols, 61 swords and belts, 15 halbei'ds,
31 headpieces, 82 beaver spears, 50 flasks pair of band-
aleers, 13 barrels of powder, iron bullets, 2 firkins
of lead bullets, 2 hogsheads of match, d55lb. of small shot,
2 drums, 15 recorders and hautboys.
STORES.
58 cloth Cassocks and breeches, 153 canvas cassocks and
breeches, 46 stuif cassocks and breeches, 80 shirts, 58 hats,
40 dozen of coarse hose, 130 pair of shoes, 204 pair of stock-
ings, 79 Monmouth caps, 149 pair small hose, 27 lined coats, 40
rugs, 15 papous coats, 23 red cloth waistcoats, 16 moose coats,
9 pieces red baize, 375 yards sail cloth, 12 bolts canvas, 12
hides shoe leather, 17/6. wt. of lead, 14 iron pots, 23 iron ket-
tles, 1276 wrought pewter, 504 wrought brass, 5 barrels nails,
1 barrel spikes, 146 bars iron, 28 bars steel, quantities of all
sorts of smith's, cooper's, carpenter's, mason's tools, 19 bar-
rels of pitch, 16 barrels of tar, 8 coils of rope, of 2 1-2 inches,
3 coils rope of 3 1-2 inches, 10 cables of 4 inches, 12 herring
nets, 6 seines, 70 cod lines, 67 mackerel hnes, 1 1 gange cod
hooks, 30 dozen mackerel hooks, 10 squid lines, 70 knots twine,
1500 boards, 1151 pine planks,
50
\
394 APPENDIX.
PROVISIONS.
140 bushels of corn, 8 barrels oatmeal, 32 barrels meal, 15
barrels malt, 29 barrels peas, 153 candles, 610 lbs. sugar, 512
lbs. tobacco, 6 pipes wine, 170 gallons aquavitaa, 2 chii'urgeon's
chests.
CATTLE.
24 cows, 2 bulls, 22 .steers and heifers, 10 calves, 92 sheep
and lambs, 27 goats, 64 hogs old and young, 13 mares and
horses, 9 colts.
This is a true inventory of the goods left by Capt. Walter
Neal, to be dehvered to Henry Joselyn, Esq. by command of
Capt. Jolm Mason, and received by us.
AMBROSE GIBBINS,
THOMAS WARNERTON.
No. 2.
GRANT OF THE GLEBE IN PORTSMOUTH.
Whereas divers and sundry of the Inhabitants of the Lower
end of Pascataquack, whose names are hereunder written, of
their free and volimtary mind, good wills and assents, without
constraint or compulsion of any manner of person or persons,
have granted, given and contributed divers and several sums of
money towards the building, erecting and founding of a par-
sonage house, with a chapel thereto united, as also fiftie acres
of Glebe land which is annexed and given to the said parson-
age, that is to say, twelve acres thereof adjoyneth to the said
Parsonage house and layd out already by meetes and bounds,
the south part abbutteth upon the edg of the salt creeke marsh,
and soe tendeth along beyond Roger Knight's field, on the
north part it extends towards Strawberry bank creeke, on the
north east towards the River Pascataquack ending at the great
pyne by the house, and the west stretcheth up into the main
land, whereof there is three acres or thereaboutes already in-
closed with a pale for a corn field, and a garden thereto be-
longing, the residue of the 50 acres being 38 is thus to be taken,
that is to say, tlie fall tenth part of the fresh marsh lying at
the head of Strawberry bank creeke and that being meeted and
bounded to take the remainder of the 38 acres next adjo}ming
to the said marsh soe layd out, which said ground at the time
of the said building thereon was desolate and void. Now the
saiil Inhabitants aforesaid by their common assent and consent
toward the furtherance and advancement of the honor and
gioiy of God, doe give, grant, aiiene and set over unto Thomas
APPENDIX. 395
Walford and Henry Sherburne, Church Wardens of this Par-
ish, to them and theire successors, all the said Parsonage house,
chappell, cornfield, garden glebe land with the appurtenances,
with all our right, title, interest in and to the sayd premises to
remane, endure and continue in perpetuitie for ever to the use
of the aforesaid parish. And that the said Church Wardens,
their successors and either of them which are yearly to be
chosen by the said Parishioners be deemed and adjudged only <
as feoffees in trust to the use and behoof of the said parish,
and that during the continuation of this combination, The Gov-
ernor and Assistants for the year being, as alsoe after the dis-
solution of sayd combmation by his Majestie, two of the princi-
pall men of the said Parish which shall likewise yearly be
chosen by the said parishioners, who jointly with the Church
Wardens shall have the ruling, ordering and governing the said
parsonage house, chappell, glebe land for matters of building
reparations or ornaments thereto belonging. Provided always,
that neither the said Governor, Assistants, overseers or Church
Wardens, their successors, or either of them, shall not alien-
ate, give, grant, bargain, sell or convert to any other use the
said parsonage house, chappell, field garden, glebe land, or
any the premises to any manner of pei'son or persons without
the common assent and consent of all the said parishioners.
And what so ever act or conveyance they shall make contrary
to the true intent and meaning aforesaid, shall be utterly void
and of none effect.
And for as much as the said parishioners have founded and
built the said parsonage house, chappell with the appurtenances
at their own proper costs and charges, and have made choyse
of Mr. Richard Gibson to be the first parson of the said par-
sonage, soe likewise whensoever the said parsonage happen to
be voyd by death of the incumbent, or his time agreed upon
expired, that then the patronage, \ivesently and nomination of
the parson to be vested and remain in the power and election
of the said parishioners or the greater part of them for ever.
Given under our hands and seales this 25 of May, 1640, in the
sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles by
the Grace of God, King of England, &c.
Francis Williams, Governor.
Henry Sherburn
Ambrose Gibbins, Assistant.
John Lander
William Jones
Henry Taler
Renald Fernald
Jno. Jones
John Crowther
William Berry [seal)
Anthony Bracket
Jno. Pickering
Michael Chattertoa
Jno. Billing {seal)
Jno. Wall
Jno. Wolten
Robert Puddington
Nicholas Row
Mathew Coe
William Palmer.
396
APPENDIX.
No. 3.
At a General Court of Election held at Boston the 10th day
of the third month, 1643.
The whole plantation within this Jurisdiction is divided into
four Shires, viz:
Essex — Salem
Lyn
Enon
Ipswich
Newbury
Glocester
Cochicawick.
Suffolk — Boston
Roxbury
Dorchester
Dedham
Braintree
Weymouth
Hingham
Nantasket.
Middlesex — Charlestown
Watertown
Sudbury
Concord
Woburn
Medford
Lyn Village.
Norfolk — Salisbury
Hampton
Haverhill
Exeter
Dover
Strawberry Bank.
No. 4.
FRANCIS SMALL'S DEPOSITION.
Francis Small, of Piscattaway, in New England, planter,
aged sixty-five years, maketh oath, That he hath lived in New
England upward of fifty years; that he very well knew the
plantations Capt. Mason had caused to be made at Piscatta-
way, Strawberry Bank and Newichewanock, and was well
acquainted with all the servants imployed by Capt. Mason upon
the said Plantations, some whereof are yet living; and that
there was a great stock at each of those Plantations. And
this deponent doth very well remember, that Capt. Mason sent
into this Country Eight Danes to build Mills, to saw Timber,
and tend them, and to malie Pot-ashes; and that the first Saw
Mill and Corn Mill in New England was erected at Capt. Ma-
son's Plantation at Newichewanock upward of fifty years,
where was also a large house with all conveniencies of out-
houses, and well fortified with store of Arms. That about
forty years since the said house and buildings were burnt to the
ground, but by what means this deponent doth not know; That
about tlie same time this deponent, with others, was imployed
APPENDIX 397
by Capt. Francis Norton, (who then Hved at Capt. Mason's
house at Piscattavvay, called the Great house) to drive about
One Hundred head of Cattle towards Boston, and the said Capt.
Norton did goe with the Cattle; that such Cattle were then
usually sold at five and twenty pound the head. Money of En-
gland. And the said Norton did settle himself at Charles Town,
near Boston, and wholly left Capt. Mason's Plantation, upon
which the other servants shared the residue of the goods and
stock among them, which were left in that and the other Plan-
tations, and possessed themselves of the houses and lands. And
this deponent doth verily believe that from the Cattle sent hither
by Capt. Mason, most of the Cattle in the Provinces of New
Hampshire and Main have been raised, for this deponent doth
not remember or heard that any one person else did bring over
any. That Thomas Warnerton, a servant to Capt. Mason,
and lived in a fair house at Strawberry Bank, about the year
1644, did carry quantities of Goods and Arms belonging unto
Capt. Mason's Plantation, and sold them to the French that
did inhabit at Port Royal, where the said Thomas Warnerton
was slaiii. That sometime after one Sampson Lane came over
from England with power, as he pretended, to look after and
take care of the afoi-esaid Plantations, and did settle himself in
the Great bouse at Strawberry Bank, and made additions there-
unto where he continued about Three years, and then returned
for England; upon whose departure John and Richard Cutts
got into possession of the aforesaid house and lands at Straw-
berry Bank, but by what right this deponent never heard; and
have sold several small Tracts, upon which many houses are
now built, and possessed by the Relations of the said Cutts.
FRANCIS SMALL.
Sivorn before me the Qih September, 1685.
R. CHAMBERLAIN, Just. P.
No. 5.
NATHANIEL BOULTER AND JOHN REDMAN'S
DEPOSITION.
Nathaniel Boulter aged sixty years, and John Redman aged
seventy years, of the Town of Hampton, in the Province of
New Hampshire, Yeoman, make oath, That they w^ere two of
the first Planters that did sit down at Hampton aforesaid about
fourty three years since by Authority of the Massachusetts
General Court, which gave power to some few persons (called
Selectmen) who came likewise to inhabit in the said Town, to
398 APPENDIX.
grant or sell lauds to others as they thought fit. That upon
these deponents first settling at Hampton, several of the Ser-
vants of Capt. Mason, or his Heirs, came from Piscattawaj to
Hampton, and did forbid these Deponents and others from set-
tling in the said ToAvn without licence from the Proprietor or
his Agents, and paying a Quit Rent. But these iJeponents
and others of the Inhabitants being backed by Authority of the
Massachusetts Government which had declared those lands to
be in their jurisdiction, no regard was had to the prohibition by
Capt. Mason's Servants. And these Deponents do very well
remeniber. That Mr. Mason had made a great Plantation at
Piscattaway and Newichewanock, where there were a great
Stock of Cattle, and much land improved. And these Depo-
nents, about fourty years since, did see a drove of One Hun-
dred head of Great Cattle, or thereabouts, that came from off
Capt. Mason's Plantation at Piscattaway, and drove through
the Town of Hampton towards Boston, by Capt. Norton and
others, the Servants of Capt. Mason or his heirs, and there sold
and disposed of (as these Deponents were informed) by the
said Capt. Norton, who did then settle himself in or near Bos-
ton, and deserted the Plantation at Piscattaway. And these
Deponents doe further testifie that such Cattle were comonly
valued at five and twenty pounds the head, being very large
Beasts of a Yellowish colour, and said to be brought by Capt.
Mason from Denmark. And these Deponents say. That soon
after Capt. Norton's going to Boston to inhabit, the Massachu-
setts Government did lay claim to the whole Province of New
Hampshire, as pretending it to be Avithin their Patent, and did
accordingly exercise a Jurisdiction therein, and required those
inhabitants to take an oath of fidelity to them.
NATHANIEL BOULTER,
JOHN REDMAN.
Sworn before me Glh of November^ 1685.
R. CHAMBERLAIN, Just. P.
No. 6.
GEORGE WALTON'S DEPOSITION.
George Walton of Great Island in the Province of New-
Hampshire, Yeoman, aged seventy years or thereabouts, testi-
fieth. That he hath been an Inhabitant in the said Province
about fifty years, That most pai't of the lands he now possesses
APPENDIX. 399
were granted by Capt. Henry Jocelyne, Steward to Capt. Ma-
son the Proprietor, That this deponent doth very well know
that Capt. Mason had many Servants, and a great Stock of
Cattle upon his lands. That the said Servants and others after
the decease of the said Capt. Mason did imbezill and mine
the Estate. And particularly Capt. Francis Norton, Agent or
Steward to Capt. Mason or his Heirs, about fourty years since
did drive from Capt. Mason's Plantation at Piscattaway called
the Great House, about One Hundred head of Great Cattle
which were then usually valued at five and twenty pounds the
head. And as this deponent was credibly informed the aforesaid
Cattle were sold in or about Boston by the said Norton, who also
settled himself thereabouts and deserted Capt. Mason's Plan-
tation, That thereupon the rest of the Stock, goods and imple-
ments belonging to Capt. Mason's Plantation were made away
by the said Servants and others, And this Deponent doth very
well remember the fort built by Capt. Mason upon the Great
Island, (in the same place where the fort now stands,) and
that it was strong and substantially made and furnished with
great Gmis, of which some were Brass, and were afterwards
taken away by Major Waldern and his brother William Wal-
dern and others, but by what authority this Deponent never
heard, and some of the Guns this Deponent did see put into a
ship belonging to one Lane, And this Deponent knows. That
to the Great House at Piscattaway aforesaid there were ad-
joining about One Thousand Acres of improved Lands, Marsh,
Meadow, and Planting grounds, which were divided and par-
celled out by the Servants of Capt. Mason and others, the
select or prudential men (of the Town of Portsmouth) as they
were so called who still enjoy the same or their Heirs and as-
signs, whereof William Vaughan and his Brother in Law have
a large shai'e given them by their Father in Law Richard
Cutt, And the said Great House by the means aforesaid came
to decay and fell down, the ruins being yet to be seen, out of
which several good farms are now made. And this Deponent
doth very well remember. That the said Capt. Mason had
made a great Plantation at a place called Newichewanock,
about sixteen miles from that of Piscattaway, which by the
means aforesaid was ruined and shared among several of the
said Capt. Mason's Servants and others. And this Deponent
doth further say. That to his particular knowledge the Ser-
vants sent over by Capt. Mason of which some ai'e living, and
those descended from them which are many, have been and
are the most violent opposcrs of the now Proprietor, Robert
Mason, Esq. And this Deponent further saith. That those
lands in Portsmouth called both now and formerly Strawberry
Bank, were the planting grounds and pasture belonging to the
Great House at Strawberry Bank wherein Thomas Wjinnerton
400 APPENDIX.
did inhabit, that was sometime Agent for Capt. Mason, and
after the death of Wannerton who was slain about fourty years
since, the said house and lands were possessed by Sampson
Lane, but by what right this Deponent doth not know.
GEORGE WALTON.
Taken before me, the ISth December, 1685.
WALTER BAREFOOT, Dep. Governor.
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